How to Survive as a Supporting Male Lead - Chapter 20.1

Derrick subtly shifted his position, trying to block Kallian’s line of sight to Yuhwa, but Kallian’s gaze was relentless.

“You and I should talk.”

“…Lady Yuhwa is under our protection. If you wish to meet with her, I suggest you obtain Iann’s permission first.”

“What, can’t she speak for herself? I thought hiding behind others was her only skill, but I guess she’s good at keeping silent too.”

Yuhwa, visibly upset by Kallian’s condescension, stepped out from behind Derrick.

“Of course, I can speak for myself.”

“Then follow me.”

Kallian moved to a distance where Derrick wouldn’t overhear their conversation. Derrick, watching him closely, called out to Yuhwa with concern.

“Lady Yuhwa.”

“I’ll be fine.”

Yuhwa replied with a resolute smile.

“I’ll talk to him and be back soon.”

As Yuhwa and Derrick steeled themselves, Kallian’s attention was focused on Iann. Fortunately, Iann, surrounded by people, seemed too occupied to notice their private conversation. Still, just in case, Kallian positioned himself behind a tree to obscure their view.

“What… what do you want to say?”

Yuhwa asked as she approached Kallian. Her steps were steady, but her trembling voice betrayed her unease. Only then did Kallian tear his gaze away from Iann.

“No manners, I see…”

He muttered, though not directed at her. It was a low, contemplative murmur to himself as he assessed Yuhwa and weighed his next move. The latent hostility in his demeanor made Yuhwa instinctively avert her eyes. Without Iann and Derrick nearby, his aura felt far more oppressive. All she could do was clench her shaking hands to muster any semblance of courage.

Seeing her reaction, Kallian’s demeanor softened slightly.

“Why would Iann pick up this stupid thing? If he truly is your benefactor, the least you could do is show some decorum.”

“I don’t think that’s advice I need from Your Grace.”

When Kallian mentioned Iann, Yuhwa shot back, mustering her remaining courage to meet his gaze. Based on how Kallian had treated Iann earlier and the rumors she’d heard, it was clear he wasn’t on good terms with her benefactor. To Yuhwa, someone indebted to Iann, Kallian was an adversary.

“…..”

Despite her sharp retort, Kallian seemed unfazed. He had already offered what little goodwill he was willing to show by advising her to mind her manners for Iann’s sake. If she couldn’t follow that, meeting a mad noble and perishing would save him the trouble. Casually, Kallian entertained the thought of her demise.

“Your Grace?”

“They say you can use divine power.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Yuhwa replied calmly, though it was obvious he already knew. There wasn’t even a trace of doubt in his statement.

“Do you need someone who can use divine power?”

Yuhwa asked, masking her apprehension. The descriptions her mentor had given her of Kallian Kahn Dervel echoed in her mind.

Cold, ruthless, emotionless, merciless, a blade that never rests, the empire’s iron fist. While his banter with Iann had seemed at odds with those descriptions, now she could see how well they fit. The Duke was a completely different person when Iann wasn’t around.

‘If he decides he needs me, what happens? Will he and Iann end up fighting again? That can’t happen. If someone as terrifying as Kallian fights Iann, that kind-hearted fool will lose.’

Yuhwa’s thoughts spiraled as anxiety gripped her.

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

Kallian leaned casually against a tree, his voice laced with mockery. The way he looked down on her made Yuhwa’s face flush with indignation.

“Are you asking if someone like you would be of use to me? That feels like an insult.”

“It’s not.”

Yuhwa stammered defensively. Fortunately, he didn’t seem to know she was a saintess yet. Yuhwa let out a quiet sigh of relief, her secret still safe. Kallian’s smirk deepened.

“Do you think I don’t know you’re a saint?”

“…..”

“See? No manners.”

“…Then what do you want from me?”

How could she not know something about Iann? Kallian crossed his arms lazily, looking at the completely overwhelmed oil painting with amusement. The sharpened knife-like movements quickly gave way to languor. His black uniform, tailored to fit his thick forearms and torso, tensed.

“I’ve been pondering something.”

“…..”

“I need your cooperation.”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

Yuhwa struggled to reconcile his actions. First, he had scorned her and acted as though he might kill her at any moment. Now he was suddenly requesting her assistance? Yuhwa was at a loss, faced with words that didn’t align with his actions.

“Do you know why Iann got hurt today?”

“…..”

His tone made it clear the question wasn’t really a question. It was an accusation, as if he had already decided it was Yuhwa’s fault.