"That is your name, gatekeeper. Besides, my authority allows me to call you whatever I please," Shinzo remarked, sauntering towards the guards. They moved immediately, noticing that the Emperor was following Ryutaro with his eyes.
The gatekeeper didn't respond to that statement, just looking at the Tentochu sovereign. In his memories, Shinzo was a young boy just over ten years old when Tatsui left the world of the living.
The one who was then the prince was a child with a dull and silent nature, despite being raised in a loving and relaxed environment. Because of his close friendship with Tatsui, Ryutaro knew firsthand the issues revolving around his only son, Shinzo.
Emperor Tatsui and Empress Yoko had wanted a son with all their hearts. By the time the Empress managed to get pregnant late in life, she had tried all sorts of natural fertility-enhancing methods.