How to Survive as a Supporting Male Lead

Yuhwa thought back to the earlier chaos. She hadn’t even been able to see the monster’s movements, let alone do anything about it. Even if she had noticed in time, she doubted she could’ve helped. If it weren’t for Kallian, Iann might’ve been injured far worse, perhaps with more than just his leg bloodied.

“You should be ashamed of yourself, Yuhwa. Clinging to Iann like that—it’s just too shameless.”

“Stop dodging the question. What cooperation are you talking about?”

“Did you know? The Dervel Duchy has a long history. There’s even a library that’s been there since the estate was built. I visited recently and found it still houses some rare ancient texts.”

“…And?”

“Isn’t the guidance from your priests lacking?”

Yuhwa’s expression faltered. He’d hit the mark. The priests’ teachings were vague and impractical. They were more focused on using divine power to praise their god than anything else. But Yuhwa didn’t need that; she needed practical and definitive methods for using her power effectively.

“With those skills, you’ll always be a burden.”

As unpleasant as it was to hear, Kallian’s observation wasn’t wrong. At her current level, Yuhwa would be more of a hindrance than a help. Iann had told her that she’d been brought to this world to save others. Yuhwa believed him—or rather, she wanted to make his belief in her a reality. She wanted to become someone who could one day assist Iann and Derrick.

“What do I need to do? And just so we’re clear, I won’t do anything that harms Iann or Derrick—”

“It’s nothing much.”

Kallian said, his sharp gaze softening into a deceptive smile.

“For now, just bring Iann to the estate.”

Kallian watched as Yuhwa walked back to Derrick. Her awkward smile as she returned didn’t escape his notice. Derrick cast a wary glance in his direction, no doubt wondering what had been discussed. Kallian was confident Yuhwa wouldn’t share much of their conversation. It wasn’t significant enough, and there was a subtle undertone of betrayal toward Iann in doing so.

Well, not that it mattered.

Luring Yuhwa in was just one of the steps in his plan to dig into the nature of her relationship with Iann. Since Iann wouldn’t talk, and Derrick, ever the staunch ally, wouldn’t either, this was the most effective approach. Besides, Derrick’s lack of subtlety meant he’d be useless anyway.

Yuhwa was the perfect leverage. A clever move. And if, by chance, Yuhwa and Iann were truly growing closer—if they really were—then she could also be a tool to disrupt whatever was brewing between them.

“Hmm.”

Yes, Kallian had every intention of interfering with Yuhwa and Iann. Watching them together made his blood boil in a way he couldn’t control. The intensity of these emotions was unfamiliar and unsettling.

It felt like watching a cherished, neutered pet suddenly declare it had found its lifelong mate and intended to leave.

It was absurd.

Kallian had never given Iann’s potential marriage a single thought. For one, he couldn’t imagine anyone capable of putting up with Iann’s foul personality. He’d never even considered the possibility that Iann might build a meaningful relationship with someone else. Iann was independent to the point of isolation, with a temperament that could repel even the most patient saint.

Sure, he was aware that Iann had his share of admirers outside their circle. But even so, the Iann he knew, the one who always teased him, was—

“Hah…”

Kallian exhaled a shallow sigh. His sighs had become more frequent. The unresolved emotions swirling within him were too overwhelming for someone as stoic and composed as he usually was. Frustrated, he let out another sigh.

He needed to address these feelings, to give them a name. That’s why he’d invited Iann to his estate and enticed Yuhwa into helping him.

Being near Iann might reveal something—anything. Kallian wasn’t one to flee; he faced things head-on.

* * *

Chapter 3: The Easy Way to Ruin Your Life

“Yuhwa, do you really want to go to Kallian’s estate?”

“Yes.”

Yuhwa’s reply was firm. Iann let out a deep sigh. Kallian’s estate was the focal point of every major incident in the story. It hadn’t been long since he’d resolved to protect Yuhwa, yet here he was, preparing to take her straight to the lion’s den.

“I’ve heard the estate is breathtakingly beautiful,” Yuhwa said, her eyes lighting up.

“No way. That place is so dark and dreary it looks haunted,” Iann lied without a hint of shame.

“Right, Derrick?”

“I wouldn’t know. I was too busy dealing with the paperwork you dumped on me whenever you ran off to meet Kallian.”

“Anyway! The estate isn’t worth visiting. How about taking a tour of the Mage Tower instead?”

It wasn’t as if Iann had any real intention of refusing Kallian’s invitation. If Kallian was offering compensation, Iann intended to milk it for all it was worth, like a true insurance con artist.