How to Survive as a Supporting Male Lead

“Seriously!”

Kallian’s voice shook with raw emotion. He hadn’t seen Iann injured like this in years—no, ever. Seeing him bleed was a shock that left Kallian momentarily frozen, his hands trembling as his heart sank.

“Hey, Kallian.”

“Why are you just standing there?! Sit down right now—”

“You’re being absolutely unreasonable, Duke Dervel!”

Yuhwa stepped between them, cutting off Kallian’s words.

“Can’t you see Iann is hurt? He’s a patient! Stop hounding him already!”

“Ooh…”

Iann couldn’t help but let out a soft whistle of admiration. Yuhwa’s boldness was worthy of a protagonist. Even he, after 18 years of fighting with Kallian, felt a little cowed. But Yuhwa? She showed no fear.

If you looked closely, Yuhwa’s trembling fists betrayed her fear, but she still stepped forward to defend Iann. The sight touched Iann’s heart deeply. My little sister is stepping up for me—how can I, as the older one, just stand here and do nothing?

“Yeah! You jerk! Stop harassing—”

“What business is it of yours?”

Smack. Iann shut his mouth immediately. Wait, hold on. Is this… is the story progressing? Is this the start of their romance arc? The setup felt perfectly aligned with the clichés of K-romance fantasy. It was the classic build-up for someone to shout, ‘Is that person insane?!’ And if it carried on, someday far in the future, Yuhwa might even say the ultimate line: ‘How ridiculous.’ That would complete the quintessential K-romance fantasy.

Iann observed their quarrel with great interest. At least Yuhwa defending him meant he was fulfilling his role as the second male lead. He could live with that.

“How dare you.”

Kallian closed the distance between him and Yuhwa, looking down at her with icy eyes. The sharpness of his gaze was almost tangible, making Yuhwa’s entire body quiver. The weight of his stare was suffocating, a stark contrast to the way Kallian interacted with Iann. Yet, despite her fear, Yuhwa swallowed hard and managed to press on.

“W-what do you mean, how dare I? As Sir Iann’s hunting festival partner, am I not allowed to say anything?”

“No, you’re not. Who do you think you are? Keep your mouth shut and stay out of this. Can’t you tell where you belong?”

“If not now, then when?! Sir Iann is my benefactor! He’s given me so much—how could I shamelessly stand by and do nothing?”

“Iann?”

“Yes! Unlike Your Grace, who does nothing but berate a patient, Sir Iann saved me from the freezing forest and has been helping me ever since. He’s my savior! If you insist on harassing Sir Iann, then punish me instead—it’s all my fault!”

Bravo! Bravo! A typical noble of the Empire would have been scandalized by Yuhwa’s audacity, even in these changing times. But Iann wasn’t a typical noble. He was a mage who treated rank as an afterthought and a nobleman who knew their adorable romantic future. Thoroughly entertained, Iann cheered for Yuhwa internally. What a splendid romantic quarrel, he thought, marveling at Kallian’s slowly crumbling expression. It was a delightful sight.

“Blame me, then.”

“Gladly.”

That was until Kallian drew his sword.

“Hey!”

Iann lunged forward, grabbing Kallian’s arm. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead. This crazy bastard was actually about to swing his sword. Thankfully, Iann, with his extensive experience in dueling Kallian, had intervened just in time.

“Let go.”

“Are you insane?”

Grunting, Iann struggled to restrain Kallian. What kind of male lead treats the female protagonist like this? This jerk—or rather, this lunatic. While Iann furiously cursed Kallian in his head, Kallian’s gaze shifted downward, settling on Iann’s hand gripping his arm. Or, more precisely, on Iann’s white fingers clutching the hilt of his sword. Their hands were touching.

For some inexplicable reason, Kallian began to calm down. Slowly, he tightened his grip on the sword’s handle, pulling Iann closer in the process. It felt… strangely satisfying. Like the world was finally back to normal.