How to Survive as a Supporting Male Lead

Indeed, the supporting male lead in a romance fantasy was destined to keep losing to the real male lead. Iann was even 5 centimeters shorter than Kallian, and his status as a Count was lower than Kallian’s title of Duke.

Fortunately, as the Archmage and Master of the Magic Tower, their ranks were almost on par… but still, all the little ways in which he fell short of the male lead constantly ate away at Iann’s pride.

‘But at least I’ve got my face. That guy might be pretty, but I’m handsome. Yeah. Being handsome is the best.’

But the thought of having to lose to that damn bastard for the rest of his life! The comfort he’d found in his reflection in the mirror on his desk quickly vanished, his mood once again in turmoil. And it wasn’t just losing either. In the original story, the supporting male lead, Iann de Loit, lost his life to the main male lead, Kallian.

What happens after that? No need to guess. History, written by the victors, would surely depict the handsome and stylish Iann de Loit as an ugly, foolish, and mediocre mage.

He planned to escape before he got killed, but when has anything in life ever gone according to plan? Iann had to at least protect his legacy. Even after death, he had to be concerned about his reputation.

“Right. This isn’t the time for this.”

Iann tossed a stack of papers over the work materials on his desk. This was no time to be focusing on work. He needed to start writing his autobiography—the future legendary memoir that would secure his place in history.

“Haaaa…”

A sigh echoed from the right diagonal, probably from Derrick, but Iann ignored it. Instead, he twirled his pen dramatically and fell deep into thought.

‘An autobiography… a book. The title is the most important part of a book. I need something impactful so people will actually buy it. Even if that bastard Kallian bans it, it should have a title that people will still want to read. Hmm….’

“How about… ‘I Was Just a Normal Student, but Woke Up as the World’s Top SSS-Rank Archmage and Most Handsome Man in the World’?”

It was a ridiculous, cringe-worthy title that would make anyone laugh out loud, especially in the quiet atmosphere of the office during work hours. But Derrick didn’t even pause his pen.

Iann, glancing at Derrick’s unbothered expression, slouched dramatically in his chair, adopting a posture that could easily rack up a medical bill of 84.92 million won for a herniated disc.

As the silence dragged on, Iann’s lips began to pout. At 27 years old, Iann still had a temper whenever Derrick didn’t pay attention to him.

“Derrick.”

“…….”

“Derrick.”

“…….”

“Deeeeeeeerick.”

“…….”

“Aide.”

“Yes, Count.”

Finally, Derrick responded when his title was called. It was a reply laced with a silent plea not to be disturbed unless it was about work.

But Iann didn’t care.

“What do you think?”

“About what, sir?”

“The title for my autobiography—no, my legendary memoir: ‘I Was Just a Normal Student, but Woke Up as the World’s Top SSS-Rank Archmage and Most Handsome Man in the World’?”

“It’s awful.”

“Think it over. Give me a real answer. Be serious about it, Aide.”

Iann threatened Derrick, lazily kicking his feet up onto the armrest of his chair. Derrick obediently closed his eyes and considered it for three seconds.

“It’s awful.”

“You’ve got no taste. Just like Kallian.”

At Derrick’s honest feedback, Iann poured out a stream of excessive criticism. Annoyed, Derrick furrowed his brows and leaned back in his chair, holding the report he’d been working on. It was a clear sign he was ready to tear Iann’s idea apart.

“I’ll say it again. It’s awful.”

“Kallian.”

Iann spat out the name, completely out of context. In the dynamic between Iann and Derrick, ‘Kallian’ was the highest form of insult. Derrick’s frown deepened.

“…And a legendary memoir, really?”

“Yep.”

“Do you even know what a legendary memoir is? It’s supposed to be a record of someone who did great deeds or achieved remarkable accomplishments.”

“Exactly. Kallian.”

“Haaa….”

Derrick removed his glasses and pressed down on the bridge of his nose.

“Can I give you an honest answer?”

“You’ve already said enough, Kallian.”

“Iann.”

“See? You do whatever you want.”

“‘I was just a normal student, but woke up as…’ what was it?”

“No, no, it was *‘SSS-Rank Archmage and Most Handsome Man in the World’*…”

“Please get a grip on reality, you damned otaku.” ^[1]

Iann’s mouth snapped shut. Yesterday, it had been Kallian’s ‘tough man’ attack, and today, it was Derrick’s ‘otaku’ attack.

“Otaku?”

“Yes, you.”

T/N:

^[1] ↩

The word isn’t actually otaku, but the Korean version of it, which stemmed from otaku. The word is “씹덕” (ssibdeog) and it’s a word that’s used to describe someone who’s into animations/anime, a stereotypical (misrepresented) otaku (by Korean standards (check google images) this is an overweight person with glasses), but is also used jokingly as a way to say you’re a huge fan of someone/something