BRIDGERTON

A DANCE IS RATHER LIKE A SWORDFIGHT.

The Roronoa family was a long-standing one within the Ton. Known to be honorable and truthful to their word, they’d long ago become a highly respected presence within the court. His father, before his untimely death, had been a close friend and advisor to King George and Queen Charlotte. This friendship and sound advice, given from an unbiased standpoint, relied on more heavily as the King’s mental health declined. Upon the sudden death of the Duke and Duchess of Shimotsuki during a small uprising in the kingdom, their only child and heir to their title was sent back to be raised by his distant relatives in Japan.

During his absence, their close friend, Lady Danbury took over the maintenance of the family’s accounts and estates, managing them for the young Lord until he was fully grown and old enough to formally enter society as the Duke of Shimotsuki. Meanwhile, Zoro was raised by his family in Japan who had been a well-respected Samurai family for generations. Learning both the art of the sword, tea ceremony, and other various skills on top of having an English tutor to teach him everything he’d need to know as a Duke.

The constant lessons and strict regiment was one that would have crippled many children, but to which he took with ease. Due to this, however, he only had one childhood friend, the daughter of his sensei. It was her untimely death after the two made a promise to become the greatest swordsman in the world, that drove him to excel in the art.

It was this promise and the need to grow stronger that caused him to begin hunting. Working with local law enforcement, he quickly became the person they’d go to to send after criminals and pirates that either alluded the law or were so heinous they needed to be brought down quickly. His work with them earned him the title, the Demon Hunter.

It was only upon Lady Danbury’s insistence and then threats to come retrieve him herself through the letters they constantly sent to each other, that he finally returned to England as a well-educated and un unparalleled swordsman.

…and a month after his return, he was forced by Lady Danbury to enter into the Ton and the upcoming social season.