How to Survive as a Supporting Male Lead

At that, Kallian’s hand lifted to his face. He could feel the small smile still there, just as she said. It must have crept up because of Iann’s antics.

“…Well.”

Kallian turned his head away awkwardly. The head maid just kept smiling, a knowing warmth in her eyes. She’d seen enough to know that whenever Count de Loit was involved, the duke looked his age.

“…You may go.”

Kallian hastily dismissed her. Even when she was gone, he found himself lightly touching the corner of his mouth. It was still upturned. He didn’t really understand how he could be this… content. But then again, it was Iann de Loit. He was always an odd one.

Yes, Iann de Loit. He really was an amusing man. Truly.

In an instant, so fast that even Kallian didn’t notice—an uneasy premonition flickered through him. His hand, which had been idly brushing his lips, stopped. He tilted his head slightly, puzzled. What was this? It felt…like he was willingly stepping into a pit of quicksand.

* * *

This couldn’t go on. Iann paced in circles in his room, having woken up late and eaten something that might have been breakfast or lunch or even dinner—who knew.

No, he couldn’t let it end like this. Yesterday, he’d gone to see if Kallian really had feelings for Yuhwa, or if he was just a normal, decent groom candidate with a normal, sane mind. But when he came to his senses, all he’d accomplished was eating some cursed spicy chocolate.

He’d gone in with no plan and no preparation. If he did the same today, he’d just repeat yesterday’s mistake all over again.

What was a mage, if not someone who learned and grew from past mistakes?

So Iann began to think. How could he figure out what was really going on between Kallian and Yuhwa? As he racked his brain, he suddenly remembered a part of the novel’s story from this period.

“That’s right. There was another event coming up after this.”

They had grown aware of each other at the Hunting Festival, but it was through the next event that they’d grown even closer.

“The festival!”

The annual White Night Festival in the North.

Iann shot to his feet and dashed over to Derrick and Yuhwa.

“Let’s go to the festival!”

“The festival?”

Yuhwa’s eyes sparkled at the prospect of something new and exciting. Derrick looked tired, as if he had no idea what kind of trouble Iann was about to drag them into this time.

“Alright, everyone, get ready. Quickly!”

Like a fish market manager hustling his staff, Iann clapped his hands to hurry them along. The time was 7:17 PM. Kallian usually emerged from his office around 7:30. They needed to make sure they ran into him then, with Yuhwa and Derrick in tow. That way, Kallian would—

“Where are you going?”

—stop them right there, of course. The thought of how perfectly everything was lining up made Iann almost burst out laughing. Not yet. The plan wasn’t complete until Kallian naturally fell into place. Iann turned around with feigned nonchalance, catching sight of Kallian’s cold, sulking expression. He was obviously pouting because the female lead was about to go out with someone else.

“Where else? The festival’s ongoing right now.”

“…The three of you are going?”

Kallian’s low voice swept over Derrick and Yuhwa.

“Of course the three of us are going. Who else would we go with?”

“I’m coming too.”

Kallian’s frown deepened as he strode forward to stand in front of them.

“What? Why are you tagging along? Don’t you have work to do?”

Iann had to at least put up a token protest so Kallian wouldn’t suspect anything. He looked to Yuhwa and Derrick for backup.

“Your Grace, you’re free to do as you please, but as I understand it, you have a great deal of work today.”

Derrick delivered his line of refusal with a subtle firmness. It made sense. He was completely on Iann’s side. Not knowing why Iann wanted to go to the festival, Derrick was worried it would be uncomfortable for him if Kallian joined. But everything shifted the moment Yuhwa chimed in.

“I’d love that! Festivals are always more fun with more people, after all.”

It was like a flower blooming at Yuhwa’s bright, cheerful smile. Seeing how happy she looked, Iann felt a pang in his chest. Had she already fallen completely for that rotten Kallian? Poor Yuhwa. Willing to bring along the man who’d spoken so harshly to her… Kindness could be a curse, too.

And Kallian didn’t miss his chance.

“I’ll go change clothes. Wait here. Especially you, Iann.”

“What? Me?”

“If you go off on your own again like before, I won’t forgive it.”