[Third Person POV]
As the train pulled into the station, Riser, Erza, and Viola all waited to disembark.
Despite his father's insistence on bringing someone along to help with menial tasks, like carrying their bags, Riser declined. He wanted to experience an authentic vacation, and having a servant on hand would ruin the vibe.
They may have been staying at a 5-star hotel, but that was different. He was rich, not crazy, though the distinction is small.
Just because he wanted a more authentic vacation didn't mean Riser would ignore the luxuries.
"Let's check into the hotel before we go explore the city."
Riser led the two women to another station focused on intercity transport.
Hopping on a much shorter train ride, the three of them drew attention from passersby.
It made sense, considering that Erza and Viola were both extremely beautiful women.
Erza's fiery red hair was practically at home in Ireland. It was hard to tell whether Erza would've had more people looking if she'd worn her Heart Kreuz chestplate.
Riser had 'banned' her from wearing it in public because it was too noticeable. It would be fine to Requip it for a fight, but she couldn't walk around wearing armor and carrying a sword, even if the British Isles were the place for it.
If they were going to enjoy their vacation, they couldn't look like a threat.
Viola's allure was different, giving off the air of a foreign beauty, the closest equivalent being a Spanish woman.
That said, it was clear there were four big reasons why so many people were staring at the two.
Riser felt somewhat upset at how the two were stared at, but calmed himself, knowing it was the closest any of them would get.
5 stops later, the trio got off the train before heading over to the hotel that was literally across the street.
The hotel was a white stone building in the middle of the city that reminded Riser of the Parthenon. At the top was a large sculpture, below which stood several pillars that looked as if they were holding up the roof.
Checking in with the receptionist, the three of them got their keys before heading to the penthouse suite.
Riser let the girls claim their rooms first, taking the last one for himself.
After putting down their bags, the three of them headed out to explore the city.
They walked around the city for hours.
First, they saw the Spire, only a few blocks from their hotel.
Funnily enough, both Erza and Viola were confused about why it existed.
Erza focused on the materials wasted to make a giant metal spike that just stood around. Viola, as a princess, wondered why a metal spike would make people want to visit the city.
Erza was a practical person in a world of magic. To her, it made no sense that The Spire had nothing special about it, yet it was still made. Riser agreed somewhat, but he also understood it had the same effect as roadside attractions in America, like the world's largest ball of twine. The whole point of going to see it is that it exists.
Still, Riser thought there had to be something magical done to it. Magic definitely existed in Ireland, so it'd be weird if no one did anything.
Viola looked at the Spire through an economic lens, wondering whether something like it would've helped Dressrosa's economy. It seemed absurd that a tall pillar of iron was that interesting. She was summoned from the time after the Straw Hats left, so she already knew the 'economic benefits' of the toys' existence.
"Riser, is this the only attraction in the city?" Viola asked, tilting her head.
Hearing her, Riser felt she contained an adorable naivete, asking that.
"There's a lot more than just that. Statues can be found around the city as memorials to important figures. Museums that are made to share knowledge about art, science, and, given that this is Ireland, alcohol. There are probably amusement parks at the outskirts where land is cheaper. Plus, there are shopping centers, casinos, restaurants, and churches."
Viola's brow creased in thought. "Riser, if it's too much to ask, would it be possible for me to govern a city in your clan's territory?"
"Why?" Riser asked, curious.
"Ever since Dressrosa was liberated, I couldn't help but wonder if my father or I could've done things differently. If our country were richer, maybe we'd have had more money, not giving Doflamingo a chance to demonize my father."
"You know that-"
"Yes, I do. I'm quite familiar with Doflamingo, so I knew he wasn't going to let us go. Realistically, he would've increased the payment, but if we fulfilled his first demands, he wouldn't have had as much room to act as he did." Viola sadly said. "For years, I saw our country flourish at the cost of our neighbors' peace. Greedy men paying Doflamingo whatever he wanted so they could kill others, and peaceful countries forced to buy his weapons or die.
I know it will never be Dressrosa, but I would like a chance to build something of my own. Something I can look at and know it was done without hurting others." Viola wore a melancholic look as she thought back on her home. All the people who suffered and families torn apart, while she, as the princess, allowed a psychopath to sit on the throne, unable to help even a single person.
"I can't guarantee anything, but I can ask my parents about it. I know there are a few tracts of land they've wanted to develop for decades, but haven't since most of them are inconveniently located. I'm sure they'd be willing to trust you with one of those projects."
Viola leaned down and hugged Riser, smushing her breasts against him. "Thank you," she said, smiling.
Hours later, and one visit to the whiskey museum, the three of them headed to a kid-friendly pub for dinner.
Riser wasn't old enough to drink any alcohol, but he'd be damned if he didn't visit a pub while he was there.
Wait-
Were devils already damned, or could he be double damned?
Sitting down at the counter, Riser was between the girls.
Riser ordered an Irish stew and a glass of water, Erza got a shepherd's pie and a glass of Coke, and Viola had corned beef and a pint of Guinness.
As the three were eating and talking, a small group of four people entered the pub.
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Author's Note:
Thanks for reading; I'll see you next time!