ISEKAI? More like I See Crap!-Chapter 141: Heartbeats Over Hoofbeats ( )

The first rays of sunlight slipped through the royal palace windows, spilling soft gold across the polished floors.

In her room, Ellyna woke up quietly—no spell, no fake transformation. This was her real self.

She stretched her arms above her head, humming softly as her long golden hair cascaded around her like a veil.

Today wasn’t a day for pretending.

Today was real.

She moved quickly, sifting through her wardrobe with purpose.

Silks.

Laces.

Dresses lined with fine embroidery.

Normally, she hated wearing such fancy things.

They felt heavy, restrictive, too "princess."

But today?

Today she chose the most beautiful dress she could find—

a deep royal blue, embroidered with silver threads that caught the light with every movement.

She didn’t care if Hazuki would ask where she got it.

She didn’t care if he stared in confusion.

It didn’t matter anymore.

All that mattered—

was that she wanted him to see her properly.

She wanted him to remember.

Outside her door, there was a soft knock.

Faria entered, already dressed and ready.

"Princess," Faria said with a polite bow.

Ellyna turned, smoothing down her dress.

"You’re escorting me today, right?" she asked, her voice light but firm.

Faria smiled warmly.

"Yes, Princess. As always."

Ellyna nodded, adjusting the delicate necklace resting against her collarbone—the one Hazuki had given her.

She glanced out the window.

The sky was already turning soft orange, hinting at sunrise.

Soon, the gates would open.

Travelers would leave.

Hazuki would leave.

She tightened her fingers briefly against her skirt.

Better hurry.

She wouldn’t forgive herself if he left without saying goodbye.

"Let’s go," she said, her voice steady.

"Right away, Princess," Faria replied, already stepping ahead to prepare the way.

Ellyna smiled faintly, lifting her skirts carefully as she followed.

Her heart beat just a little faster with every step.

As Ellyna and Faria moved quickly down the palace halls, a soft voice called from behind them.

"Ellyna~"

Ellyna froze for a moment, recognizing it instantly.

She turned around—

and saw her mother, Queen Meira, standing gracefully near the entrance.

Ellyna puffed out her cheeks, pouting hard.

"No, Mother! You can’t come!" she declared stubbornly.

Queen Meira smiled gently, tilting her head with a teasing sparkle in her golden eyes.

"Ara~ I didn’t say I wanted to go."

Ellyna narrowed her eyes suspiciously, her tail flicking once.

"I know that look!" she accused.

"You totally want to come too! No, no, no!!"

Queen Meira covered her mouth elegantly, hiding a soft chuckle.

"My my~ Don’t be like that, Ellyna~ Isn’t a mother allowed to admire her future son-in-law one last time?"

Ellyna puffed up even more, almost vibrating with frustration.

"No way!! You’re just going to tease him again!!"

Faria, standing quietly beside them, coughed politely into her hand to hide her smile.

Queen Meira shrugged playfully, the very image of innocence.

"Mother, please," Ellyna pleaded, her voice softer.

"This is important to me. I... I want it to be just us."

Queen Meira’s teasing smile faded slightly.

She stepped closer and gently brushed a lock of hair behind Ellyna’s ear.

"I know, sweetheart," she said warmly.

Then she leaned down, kissed Ellyna’s forehead lightly, and whispered,

"Go. Before he leaves."

Ellyna’s chest tightened for a second.

She nodded firmly, blinking fast.

"Thank you, Mother."

Without waiting another second, she turned and rushed down the hallway, with Faria right behind her.

Her heart pounded harder with every step.

This time, Ellyna rode a horse.

Her long golden hair fluttered behind her like a banner as she urged the animal faster through the cobbled palace roads.

No more polite walking.

No more pretending.

She needed to reach him.

Inside her mind, she clenched her fists tightly.

Old man... you better keep your promise.

She trusted Ridan—even though he was a lazy, grumbling spirit—she trusted him this once.

Hazuki must not leave without saying goodbye.

Behind her, Faria and several royal knights followed on horseback, keeping a respectful distance.

Their armor clinked softly in the morning breeze, but no one said anything.

They all understood.

This wasn’t a royal mission.

This was something more important.

Ellyna leaned forward, whispering to her horse.

"Faster... please..."

Her heart pounded louder than the hoofbeats.

Ahead—somewhere beyond the next street—beyond the city walls—

Hazuki would be waiting.

Or leaving.

Her fingers tightened on the reins.

Hazuki... please... wait for me.

Meanwhile, Hazuki was awake.

No, scratch that.

He hadn’t slept at all.

He lay on his bed, arms behind his head, staring at the ceiling with a massive grin on his face.

His eyes were bloodshot.

His hair was a mess.

But his heart? Soaring.

"Hehehehe..." he giggled softly to himself.

"A real girl... a real girlfriend... a real catgirl..."

He rolled once on the bed, squeezing the pillow.

"Beautiful... hot... gorgeous... My wife... my future wife..."

His voice was barely a whisper but full of emotion.

Then, suddenly—without warning—

"UOOOOOHHHHH!!!!"

Hazuki jumped to his feet and fist-pumped like a lunatic.

Ridan, who was floating silently in the corner, flinched so hard he nearly scattered into mist.

"OI!!!" Ridan shouted.

"What the hell was that for, dumbass?!"

BAM BAM BAM!!

Someone from the next room pounded hard on the wall.

"WE’RE SLEEPING OVER HERE, YOU LUNATIC!!"

Hazuki froze mid-fist-pump.

He laughed nervously and sat back down, whispering loudly,

"Sorry~! Just a little excited about life!!"

Ridan slowly floated back, glaring.

"You’re losing it. Completely. No sleep. Talking to yourself. Cheering in the dark."

Hazuki just grinned wide.

"Who needs sleep when you have love, Ridan? LOVE!!"

Ridan sighed so hard he blew out a candle on the table.

Ridan floated over Hazuki’s bed, arms crossed (or at least it looked like he crossed his cloud arms).

"Anyway," Ridan said, voice firm.

"We’re leaving town today."

Hazuki froze mid-fist-pump.

"Huh? No way!!" he shouted.

"I’m gonna forc—I mean, politely ask her for marriage today!!"

Ridan spun in the air so fast he looked like a tornado.

"No can do, dumbass!!" he barked.

Hazuki dropped to his knees dramatically.

"Whyyyyy!?"

Ridan floated closer, his face serious.

"Because." He jabbed a cloud-finger into Hazuki’s forehead.

"She’s still underage, idiot!!"

Hazuki blinked.

"...Huh? But wasn’t she the adult one yesterday??"

Ridan spun once, faking a heavy sigh.

"That was just a transformation magic thing!" he lied expertly.

"Illusion! Disguise! You know—catfolk tricks!"

Hazuki stared at him suspiciously.

"But she kissed me," he muttered.

"Yeah well, even kids love plushies too; doesn’t mean they’re ready for marriage!" Ridan shouted back.

Hazuki opened his mouth, ready to argue—then closed it.

He scratched his head.

"...I guess that makes sense...?" he mumbled.

Ridan floated up triumphantly.

Mission Save-The-Dumbass: Successful.

For now.

( End Of Chapter )