Rifat's eyes fluttered open, taking in the surroundings of a lavish bedroom adorned with extravagant decorations.
Gradually, his fragmented memories began to piece together, and he came to the realization that he had indeed arrived in the world of Steins Gate.
In this new existence, Rifat had been a prodigious student from the moment he was born. Blessed with an exceptional capacity for learning, he effortlessly surpassed his peers, allowing him to skip several grades.
Remarkably, at the tender age of 15, he had earned admission to Tokyo Denki University, a prestigious institution known for its academic rigor and technological focus.
This is the very same institution where Kurisu's father worked as a professor, and where Kurisu herself would give lectures in the future.
When Rifat meticulously entered his background details into the system, the thought of attending the university from which Kurisu had graduated did cross his mind. However, he quickly dismissed the idea for two compelling reasons.
Firstly, Rifat lacked the knowledge of when exactly Kurisu had attended that university, making it difficult for him to coincide his enrollment with her presence.
Secondly, he recognized that remaining in the location where the canon events took place would provide him with greater advantages and opportunities compared to venturing elsewhere.
With these considerations in mind, he decided to prioritize his current position rather than pursuing in going to that Makise Kurisu's university.
'Anyway, my first goal should be to obtain a degree in a major and become a faculty member at this university. That way, I'll have a better chance of establishing a relationship with Okabe and Makise Kurisu,' Rifat contemplated.
'But which major should I choose?' he mused.
'I was pursuing a Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) major in my previous life. Let's stick with that,' Rifat swiftly decided. He retrieved his laptop, filling out all the requisite forms to officially enroll in the CSE major.
...
---With Asuna---
"This is truly magical. Not only have I traveled to another world, but I have also become a princess. If Rifat hadn't chosen me, I would never have experienced something so extraordinary," Asuna reflected.
Lost in her thoughts, Asuna sat as her maids skillfully groomed and adorned her. Upon awakening in this new world, her first request was for a maid to inform her father that she intended to pay him a visit.
Now, she was in the process of getting dressed, preparing herself for the upcoming visit to her father.
---In the Royal Chamber---
"Greetings, Father. I hope you are in good health," Asuna respectfully greeted her royal father with a bow as she entered his grand chamber.
"Haha... No need to be so formal, Asuna. You are my daughter. Come, take a seat," the monarch of Japan replied, his eyes filled with affection.
Asuna smiled warmly and settled herself beside him. Despite the fact that this person was not her real father, she felt a natural ease and familiarity in his presence, allowing her to behave as she always did.
Asuna understood that her ability to converse so familiarly with her 'father' was a result of the memories implanted in her mind by the system. Without these memories, she would have been prone to revealing numerous flaws and inconsistencies during interactions with others.
"Father, I have a request," Asuna said, putting on a cute expression as she spoke.
Seeing his daughter acting in such a manner, the monarch couldn't help but feel delighted. He replied, "Tell me, my dear, what is it that you desire? If it lies within my capabilities, I shall grant it to you."
"Father, I wish to pursue a career in politics," Asuna declared.
"Why the sudden interest in politics? It can be a treacherous field," the monarch expressed his concern, his brows furrowing.
"Father, I understand the risks involved, but I have a deep desire to enter politics. I don't want to simply lead a life of luxury, relying on the wealth and status of the royal family. I want to make a meaningful impact in this world, to be someone who is revered and respected by future generations," Asuna earnestly expressed her aspirations.
The monarch was taken aback by his daughter's mature demeanor, considering her young age of only 15.
Despite being impressed by his daughter's maturity and thoughts, the monarch held reservations about Asuna pursuing a career in the murky field of politics.
He understood that outright rejecting her aspirations would deeply hurt her. Thus, he contemplated an alternative approach to steer her away from this path without directly denying her ambitions.
He first expressed his admiration for Asuna's aspiration, acknowledging her wish to leave a lasting legacy.
"Your determination has truly impressed me, my daughter. I will not stand in the way of your dream," he affirmed, careful not to disappoint her. However, he also considered the practicalities of her age and the challenges associated with politics.
"Since you are not yet a legal adult, you will need to wait for at least three years before taking concrete steps towards your goal," he explained.
"During this time, I will introduce you to some people who will serve as your mentor, teaching you the intricacies of politics. They will also guide you through various charitable initiatives to bolster your public image. This preparation will be invaluable when you embark on your political career."
In his heart, the monarch resolved to ask that the mentor expose Asuna to the less glamorous and morally compromised aspects of politics.
He believed that by exposing her to the challenges and complexities of the field, he could assess the depth of her commitment. If she showed signs of wavering or reconsidering her decision, he would guide her towards leaving a lasting legacy in a different domain.
Despite his concerns, the monarch remained steadfast in his determination to support his daughter's dreams, fully aware of his pivotal role as her father.
...
---With Suguha---
"I've known about your dream of becoming a police officer since you were little, Suguha. But why have you suddenly decided to pursue a police training course now? Are you aware that you are still underage?" Suguha's father asked, his tone reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern.
Having observed her passion for law enforcement from an early age, her father had always been supportive of her aspirations. However, the sudden fervor with which she approached the idea of taking a police training course had caught him off guard.
Suguha, with determination shining in her eyes, responded to her father's inquiry, "Yes, Father, I understand that I am still a minor."
"However, my desire to pursue a career in law enforcement has grown even stronger over time. I believe that taking this training course will provide me with valuable knowledge and skills that will shape my future as a police officer."
She explained that her commitment to justice and her unwavering dedication to safeguarding the community had intensified over the years.
Suguha shared stories of inspiring police officers who had made a significant impact on society, fueling her determination to take proactive steps toward achieving her dream.
Listening attentively, her father absorbed her conviction and resolve.
While he had concerns about her embarking on such a demanding path at a young age, he recognized the depth of her commitment and understood that her passion for law enforcement was genuine. He admired her unwavering dedication and sense of purpose.
After a moment of contemplation, he responded, his tone filled with both caution and support, "Suguha, I want nothing more than for you to pursue your dreams and make a positive difference in the world."
"But I have reservations about you undertaking this training course at your age, I cannot deny your unwavering determination. However, we must also consider your well-being and ensure that you are mentally and physically prepared for the challenges that lie ahead."
"Moreover, you would have to be an adult to take those police training courses."
"But I don't want to wait that long. Please, can you use your connections to allow me to complete the police training course before I turn 18? This way, I can become a policewoman as soon as I meet the minimum age requirement," Suguha pleaded, acting like a spoiled brat.
Witnessing his daughter's spoiled behavior, her father felt torn between his desire to fulfill her wishes and his concerns for her well-being.
Feeling a sense of helplessness in the face of his daughter's persistent request, he reluctantly made a promise, "I will do my best to explore any possibilities and use my connections to see what can be done."