As Lord Bartholomew concluded his business within the Fitzroy household, finalizing agreements and forging alliances, he prepared to depart with a newfound sense of camaraderie between their families. Dominic Fitzroy, ever the gracious host, extended an offer of potential unity through marriage, a gesture of goodwill that Bartholomew reciprocated in kind.
"Should any of your children find interest in marrying one of my daughters in the future, it would be a joyous occasion to further unite our families," Dominic remarked warmly as they bid farewell.
Bartholomew nodded in agreement, his gaze thoughtful as he considered the possibilities. "Likewise, my friend. The bonds of kinship and alliance strengthen our realms," he replied, emphasizing the mutual benefits of such unions.
As they rode back to their lands, Bartholomew took the opportunity to engage his children in lighthearted conversation. "Children, if you ever find any of the Fitzroy daughters charming or pretty, don't hesitate to mention it. However, there's no rush as you're all still young," he advised with a smile.
Cedric, the eldest of Bartholomew's children at four years old, waved off the notion with a determined expression. "I want to sail the seas and explore before I think about marriage," he declared with the certainty of youth.
Zephyr, the youngest of Bartholomew's children at one year old, simply cooed happily, his attention focused on being near his sister, Aurora.
Aurora, intrigued by the mention of Dominic's children, couldn't contain her curiosity. "How many children does Dominic have?" she inquired, her eyes alight with interest.
Bartholomew chuckled, ruffling Aurora's hair affectionately. "If memory serves me right, he has three. There's Takeo, who is around your age, Valerian, a year younger, and the newest addition, Kaito," he explained, pride evident in his voice as he spoke of their promising futures.
"Takeo was blessed by the God of Strength," Bartholomew continued, a glint of anticipation in his eyes. "He's destined to wield great power, and I'm eager to see the talents he awakens as he grows."
Speaking of Valerian, Bartholomew's tone shifted, reflecting the unique nature of his second son's blessings. "Valerian bears mysterious symbols around his body, a testament to his blessings from not one but two gods—the Goddess of Magic and the formidable Sword Goddess," he elaborated, a note of admiration in his voice. "Such a combination promises a future of great significance and prowess."
When it came to Kaito, the youngest of the trio, Bartholomew's expression softened with paternal affection. "Kaito, our newest joy, embodies the element of fire, which holds special significance within the Fitzroy lineage," he explained, his gaze turning towards the distant horizon, as if envisioning the future ceremony. "I eagerly await the day they come of age, three years from now, to witness the awakening of their abilities in the sacred ceremony."
Aurora's curiosity deepened as she shared a revelation with her father. "I met a boy named Kenshin," she began, recounting her encounter. "Enya introduced him as her brother."
Bartholomew's brow furrowed in mild surprise. "Fitzroy never mentioned such a child to me. That is indeed curious," he mused aloud. "The next time we visit, I'll inquire about him, especially for you, my little princess." Leaning over, he planted a gentle kiss on Aurora's forehead, a gesture of paternal affection and promise.
As the carriage continued its journey homeward, Bartholomew's thoughts drifted to the intricate tapestry of fate and destiny that intertwined their lives with those of the Fitzroy family. The anticipation of future alliances and the unspoken mysteries surrounding Kenshin added layers of intrigue to the already complex web of noble affairs. Amidst it all, family remained the steadfast anchor, their bonds of kinship weaving a narrative of shared history and intertwined destinies that spanned generations.