How to Survive as a Supporting Male Lead

‘At my age…’

It was embarrassingly childish. Even though he’d 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 novel’s progression had barely started, and he knew he should simply be supportive of his friend. Yet ever since the story’s beginning, he found himself growing uncharacteristically sensitive to minor issues.

‘This is all Kallian’s fault.’

He directed his resentment toward Kallian. Why did Kallian have to be the “main character”? If he’d been merely a “supporting character,” this story could have been an adventure rather than a tragedy. Who knows, maybe Iann wouldn’t 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 he’d made about fifty dots, he finally found the words to speak to Derrick again.

“Who did the temple send to train the Saintess?”

“Priest Laté.”

“Good. He’s the most influential of the moderates.”

“Yes. As soon as he realizes that his new student is the Saintess, he’ll offer his full support. He’s devout, after all.”

“Perfect.”

Iann’s response trailed off. Everything was falling into place much more smoothly than he’d expected, despite all the mischief he’d stirred up. If things continued like this, his little pranks wouldn’t leave much impact on this world—just as his previous efforts hadn’t changed anything.

Iann felt reassured.

But that reassurance was misplaced.

“Did you hear? ‘The’ Tower Master brought a woman home. And he even summoned a high-ranking priest just for her?”

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.

First, because the subject of the rumor was none other than Iann, one of the Empire’s most prominent figures. Second, the source of the gossip was none other than Priest Laté, the same priest who’d brought Iann peace.

Though Laté 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 Iann’s notorious reputation, Laté’s words created an explosive synergy.

The problem, of course, was that rumors tend to become more exaggerated over time.

“The Tower Master summoned a high-ranking priest to his home? Aren’t the Tower and the temple not on good terms? If they sent a high priest, I bet he must’ve given the temple a whole mine.”

“Exactly! He probably handed over the mine he just acquired. Wow, he must really be head over heels for this woman. Who would’ve thought ‘that’ Tower Master could act this way?”

“Listen up! I got this information secretly, but they say the Count’s family is already preparing for a wedding.”

“Oh, What are you talking about? From what I heard, they’ve already exchanged marriage vows. That’s why he called the priest—to have it officially sanctioned!”

“What? Seriously?”

The rumors quickly morphed and grew.

“Hey, did you hear? That wild Tower Master has finally met his match. He’s planning to marry some woman, and he offered six mines and 34 chests of jewels to the temple for the wedding! That’s why the temple finally sent a high-ranking priest to officiate the ceremony. And why’s it so quiet, you ask? They did it secretly! Why secretly? Oh, don’t you know? They already have twins together!”

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 Empire’s greatest romantic and the leading man in a dramatic love triangle, and even as a father of five. Those who secretly admired Iann’s carefree spirit and striking looks couldn’t hide their disappointment.

And Kallian was so dumbfounded he could only sigh in disbelief.

“What?”