How to Survive as a Supporting Male Lead - Chapter 9.2
âAt my ageâŠâ
It was embarrassingly childish. Even though heâd filled his will with all sorts of heartfelt words for Derrick, just imagining Derrick living happily after his death somehow left him feeling bitter. The novelâs progression had barely started, and he knew he should simply be supportive of his friend. Yet ever since the storyâs beginning, he found himself growing uncharacteristically sensitive to minor issues.
âThis is all Kallianâs fault.â
He directed his resentment toward Kallian. Why did Kallian have to be the âmain characterâ? If heâd been merely a âsupporting character,â this story could have been an adventure rather than a tragedy. Who knows, maybe Iann wouldnât have to die.
But deep down, Iann knew this was just childish resentment. People tend to search for something to blame for their misfortune, and he was no different. Picking up his pen, he began to absently dot the back of a piece of scrap paper. When heâd made about fifty dots, he finally found the words to speak to Derrick again.
âWho did the temple send to train the Saintess?â
âPriest LatĂ©.â
âGood. Heâs the most influential of the moderates.â
âYes. As soon as he realizes that his new student is the Saintess, heâll offer his full support. Heâs devout, after all.â
âPerfect.âÂ
Iannâs response trailed off. Everything was falling into place much more smoothly than heâd expected, despite all the mischief heâd stirred up. If things continued like this, his little pranks wouldnât leave much impact on this worldâjust as his previous efforts hadnât changed anything.Â
Iann felt reassured.
But that reassurance was misplaced.
âDid you hear? âTheâ Tower Master brought a woman home. And he even summoned a high-ranking priest just for her?â
The rumor spread like wildfire. From young to old, across every corner of the Empire, everyone seemed to know. There were two reasons for its rapid spread.Â
First, because the subject of the rumor was none other than Iann, one of the Empireâs most prominent figures. Second, the source of the gossip was none other than Priest LatĂ©, the same priest whoâd brought Iann peace.
Though LatĂ© was diligent, devout, kind, and gentle, he also had a loose tongue. He could turn a remote rock in the countryside into a renowned tourist spot in half a day with his penchant for gossip. And combined with Iannâs notorious reputation, LatĂ©âs words created an explosive synergy.
The problem, of course, was that rumors tend to become more exaggerated over time.
âThe Tower Master summoned a high-ranking priest to his home? Arenât the Tower and the temple not on good terms? If they sent a high priest, I bet he mustâve given the temple a whole mine.â
âExactly! He probably handed over the mine he just acquired. Wow, he must really be head over heels for this woman. Who wouldâve thought âthatâ Tower Master could act this way?â
âListen up! I got this information secretly, but they say the Countâs family is already preparing for a wedding.â
âOh, What are you talking about? From what I heard, theyâve already exchanged marriage vows. Thatâs why he called the priestâto have it officially sanctioned!â
âWhat? Seriously?â
The rumors quickly morphed and grew.
âHey, did you hear? That wild Tower Master has finally met his match. Heâs planning to marry some woman, and he offered six mines and 34 chests of jewels to the temple for the wedding! Thatâs why the temple finally sent a high-ranking priest to officiate the ceremony. And whyâs it so quiet, you ask? They did it secretly! Why secretly? Oh, donât you know? They already have twins together!â
As outlandish as the rumors were, the subject was Iann. His unpredictable nature and bizarre actions had already made him infamous throughout the Empire. People would shake their heads at the wild stories but nod in acceptance if Iann was involved.
Sensational rumors blanketed the Empire. Every day, new details were added until Iann became known as both the Empireâs greatest romantic and the leading man in a dramatic love triangle, and even as a father of five. Those who secretly admired Iannâs carefree spirit and striking looks couldnât hide their disappointment.
And Kallian was so dumbfounded he could only sigh in disbelief.
âWhat?â