20: The Red Camellia

“Prince Yamabe!” the guard exclaimed when he saw me get out of hiding.

“What are you doing here, Yamabe-sama?” the other guard asked.

“I would like to speak with my Father,” I said as I tried to sound powerful.

The guard looked at each other and said, “The emperor is not here.”

I looked down to hide my embarrassment. Of course, the emperor wouldn’t be here because he’s busy with the emperor's works. Why didn’t I think of it?

“Okay then, can I get inside?” I asked. I should have let Hanako handle this. I have no idea what I am saying!

“I would like to ask for your forgiveness, Yamabe-sama, but we can't let you inside without the emperor’s consent,” the guard said as he bowed his head.

I sigh. Hanako was right, even if I’m the son, I also can’t get inside without my Father’s consent.