Chapter 18
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: They Say If It Succeeds, It's a Revolution
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They say if it succeeds, it's a revolution.
[This is a no-fly zone! Identify yourself and follow instructions to land! Repeating...]
The tablet blared with the radio transmission.
Screams erupted.
People scattered.
The area near my old apartment turned into utter chaos.
"What the hell are those flies?"
Elma furrowed her brow.
She clearly had no idea what was going on.
"It's the Capital Defense Command! The Capital Defense Forces!"
"What's that?"
"The military that protects Seoul! They scrambled because you launched a swarm of drones without permission!"
The heart of the Republic of Korea's capital.
An unidentified formation of flying objects appears.
Emergency situation.
"They're making such a damn racket. I'm in the middle of moving Husband's panties, and they dare interrupt?"
"Please, not the panties talk right now...!"
[Follow instructions to land! If you do not comply, we will open fire!]
The helicopters circled, guns trained on us.
At that moment.
[Threat detected.]
[Defense systems activating.]
Clunk.
The underside of the drone opened, and something popped out.
"Huh?"
Elma made an "oh crap" face.
"Right. That one's a military prototype."
Bang! Baaang!
The drone fired first.
Fortunately, not live rounds.
Warning shots—blank cartridges.
But the sound was real.
The helicopters panicked and pulled evasive maneuvers.
Desperate dodges.
Shoo—fwoosh—
Flares and chaff launched too.
[Engagement in progress! Repeating, engagement in progress!]
"...We're fucked."
============================
The situation grew more serious by the second.
Sirens wailed everywhere.
"Elma! Stop those things somehow!"
"No, they're the ones picking a fight first!"
"This is gonna make the news! No, we're going to jail!"
"Who? Me?"
Elma scoffed.
"Me?"
Suddenly, soldiers started approaching.
This was beyond what professor authority could cover up.
My fate, huh.
Moving and ending up declaring war on the nation.
Grandma always said I had general vibes as a kid.
Didn't know it meant rebel general.
What now?
Since it's come to this, should I suggest storming the National Assembly?
They say if it succeeds, it's a revolution.
As random thoughts crept in.
"Haa... What a pain in the ass, seriously."
Elma pulled out her smartphone.
Face full of annoyance.
She jabbed a speed dial.
"Pick up already, baldy."
Baldy?
Who's that?
—Professor Bronzebeer? What's this sudden call about?
The voice from speakerphone.
Somehow familiar.
"Hey. Can't you control your kids?"
—Pardon? What do you mean...?
"I launched a few drones for moving, and now some randos show up pointing guns and making a fuss."
—Drones? You mean that formation in Seoul airspace right now?
"Yeah. Mine."
Silence.
Then a deep sigh.
—...Professor. Seoul airspace is a no-fly zone. Especially drones need prior clearance...
"I don't care. Too noisy. You gonna take responsibility if my stuff drops? Husband's panties are in there too."
"Please stop with my panties...!"
Elma bulldozed on.
"Pull your forces now. Or it'll get fun."
—But this is a serious matter...
"Remember that Gangbuk traffic control golem project a few months back?"
—Huh? Why bring that up...?
"Got bored, so I peeked at the details."
—That wasn't your project, Professor Bronzebeer.
"Seoul needs better cybersecurity."
—...
"Anyway, looks like there was some bid-rigging in the second review..."
—I'll make contact right away.
"Quick. 30 seconds."
Click.
She hung up.
Moments later.
[Situation terminated! Situation terminated! Friendlies! All forces return to base!]
The helicopters hastily turned away.
Sirens and troops receded like the tide.
"Hmph. About time."
Elma snorted and pocketed her phone.
I stared blankly at the scene.
My legs were shaking.
"Um... Elma."
"Yeah?"
"Who was that on the phone?"
Elma answered casually, like it was nothing.
"Oh, the election last week? That guy who won."
"...?"
Last week's election?
Then the guy who won was...
'The mayor of Seoul?'
She just moved the Seoul mayor with one call?
Definitely blackmail.
Something about a project bid...
I realized anew.
My wife's power.
"Why the blank stare, Husband?"
Elma tugged my clothes.
Big sparkling eyes.
Bright smile.
Hard to believe this was the woman who just strong-armed the mayor.
"There, all sorted. Let's move the stuff and eat. I'm hungry."
"..."
"What? Come eat. I've only had two meals. Three more to go..."
Gulp.
I swallowed.
With shaking hands, I pulled her into a hug.
"Huh? Why the sudden hug?"
Elma startled into my arms.
Small, plump body.
"I love you, Elma. No, Darling."
"W-what? So sudden... You're embarrassing me."
It hit me hard.
Never upset this woman.
I've seen movies.
What happens to lovers who displease the powerful.
They vanish without a trace if you're not careful.
"Yeah, you're right about everything, Elma. I'll listen from now on."
"Huh? Right about what? Hmm? Finally aware as a husband? Good boy."
Elma rubbed her face happily against my chest.
Her tail would be wagging if she had one.
"Great. As a reward, tonight..."
She stood on tiptoes.
"Crouch."
Not enough, she ordered.
I bent down obediently.
She whispered in my ear.
"I'll serve you with cosplay play, Husband."
"...Yes. Anything you do is fine by me, Elma."
No spine, but smart survival.
My first guideline for newlywed life.
'Never go against what Elma says.'
...Though cosplay play is nice.
Vrooom—
Unaware of my thoughts.
The drones indifferently vanished toward the school.
=================================
Monday morning.
"Ugh..."
Under the covers.
Something small wriggled.
White bear pajamas.
Elma.
"Husband... What time is it?"
"Seven."
"Liar... Already?"
Elma buried her face in the pillow.
Soft groan.
"Gonna sleep more. Don't wanna go..."
"You have first period today."
"Ugh! Whatever, I'll cancel it... Gonna rest! Don't wanna go!"
Flailing.
Short limbs swung wildly in the air.
"Doing this from the start of the semester means lecture eval terrorism."
"I don't care! I'm the professor!"
I pulled off the blanket.
Huddled small body.
Messy twintails.
Puffed cheeks.
Pouted lips.
Eyes squeezed shut tight.
"Get up. You need breakfast."
"...Menu?"
"Sausage and bacon, pancakes?"
"...I'll get up."
Dwarf powered by food.
She staggered up.
============================
At the table.
Munch munch.
Nom nom.
Elma stuffed food till her cheeks nearly burst.
"So, what're you doing today?"
"Huh?"
"Class."
Cautious question.
Elma's fork halted abruptly.
"Rebuilding the insole magic will take months, right?"
Her 150cm disguise was shattered.
Complex spell with dozens of overlapping runes.
Restoration needed time.
"Maybe take a break for a bit...? Like professors' sabbatical? Perfect chance..."
"No."
Firm.
She gulped milk.
White mustache on her lip.
I grabbed tissue and wiped it.
Pat pat.
Her expression softened briefly.
"Why?"
But hardened again.
"'Cause you don't wanna...?"
"Why wouldn't I?! What'd I do wrong? Born small a crime?!"
Bam!
She slammed her fork-grip fist on the table.
"If I take leave now, it'll look like I ran away embarrassed after getting exposed!"
Pride.
The pillar holding up this tiny professor.
Running wasn't in her dictionary.
...Even if she'd die of shame first.
"I'll go out proud in my true form."
She stabbed a pancake.
Shoved a big bite in.
Cheeks ballooned like a hamster.
"You sure you're okay?"
"Of course. Nom. I'm great! And smart! Mmph. Respected! Prestigious..."
Drip.
Syrup dribbled down Elma's chin.
I grabbed tissue.
Held her small chin and wiped.
"Y-yeah, yeah, got it."
"Mmph?!"
"You spilled it all, great Professor."
Elma's eyes went wide.
She swatted my hand annoyed, then paused.
Accepted meekly.
Seemed to like being cared for.
Clean chin, she raised her nose high again.
Dignified, like no shame ever.
"...B-Because I'm Elma Bronzebeer!"
========================
Moments later.
Front door.
"..."
I was speechless.
Elma before me.
Outfit similar to usual, but...
"How's this? Look taller?"
She lifted her skirt hem slightly.
High heels.
Or heels?
This?
"...This okay?"
"Obviously!"
Roughly 30cm.
Her whole body floated midair.
Not heels—more like stilts.
Looked precarious.
"You might sprain an ankle."
"Fine. Dwarf bones are steel-tough."
"Still hard to walk."
"Fashion needs pain! And... without this, I can't reach the blackboard."
Last part was the key, huh.
"Shall we go, Husband?"
Door opened.
At the elevator to the ground floor.
Elma suddenly stopped.
"Wait."
"What? Forget something?"
"No. Wanna try something."
She turned around.
Stood demurely at the door.
"Ugh... B-balance is off."
Wobble.
Sway.
"You okay?"
"Yeah! Ugh, Husband. Come hold here."
She pulled my hand under her armpit.
"Help a bit... I'll get down slow..."
"Huh?"
"Kneel! Support so no ankle twist!"
What situation is this?
I awkwardly supported her.
Like a crane lowering.
Gently. Carefully.
Thud.
"Phew..."
Both knees landed safe.
Elma sighed in relief.
Bowed deeply.
Forehead to floor.
"Have a safe trip, Husband."
Gentle voice.
"Don't ogle other bitches out there."
"..."
"How's that? Nice, right?"
She looked up.
Grinned.
"Always wanted to try! Like a virtuous wife?"
"Virtuous wives don't say 'bitches'."
"Why not! Disciplining my husband!"
She giggled, reached out.
"Help me up."
"Y-yeah."
Like receiving a full bow.
With my help, Elma stood.
Dusted her skirt.
"There, sent you off. Let's go."
"Huh? Together?"
"Yeah. You're in my first period anyway."
She grabbed my arm.
Like it was obvious.
"Outside we're professor and student."
"Oh, right."
Elma pouted.
"Tch. No fun."
Let go.
Fiddled my sleeve regretfully.
"You go first."
"Yeah. See you at school."
I entered the elevator first.
Small hand waved through the doors.
So cute.