I Got Married to a Yandere Queen

Riven lay still on the bed, his body stretched out beside his little sister who had already fallen asleep. Mira's breathing was soft and steady beside him, peaceful in its rhythm.

Meanwhile, Riven's eyes remained open, staring up at the ceiling dimly lit by the glow of a small oil lamp in the corner of the room.

His mind wasn't occupied with anything else except for one thought: absorbing mana while sleeping.

His body now felt lighter. Mana flowed gently inside him, entering through the surface of his skin and seeping deeper, tracing the pathways of energy he had spent weeks refining. He still remembered his first attempt to absorb mana—his entire body had rejected it, and it felt like he was burning from the inside. Back then, Ashtoria had guided him, though the outcome was disappointing.

But now things were different. After practicing every single day, he could circulate mana while sitting still, standing upright, or even walking slowly through the garden. It had become second nature. Every breath brought in fresh energy, and every subtle pull from the surroundings enriched the core of his body.

Tonight, he wanted to push further.

He wanted to test if his body was now stable enough to absorb mana even while asleep. Lying on his back, he began to slow his breathing. His consciousness gradually faded, but he continued to maintain the flow within his body. He could feel the mana particles in the surrounding air slowly entering, merging with his flesh. The energy seeped in through his pores, moved through narrow inner channels that connected every part of his body, and then gathered at his core. There, it was spun, refined, and stored.

According to Mira, that point was the heart of all basic Lawbearer techniques. The mana that was collected there would later be used to activate one's affinity. If a person's mana ran dry, they would no longer be able to use their abilities. That was why mana absorption was considered crucial, even foundational.

But Riven had yet to discover his affinity. Each time mana gathered, he felt only a slight boost in stamina, a bit more strength in his limbs. There were no drastic changes, no elemental signs, and no special reactions that hinted at a specific affinity.

Still, he did not give up.

He knew this stage was essential. Because even without knowing his affinity, his body could still be gradually strengthened by consistently collecting mana. He believed that one day, when the time was right, his affinity would reveal itself after he reached the right understanding.

Slowly, his eyelids closed. His body remained relaxed, but his mind stayed half-aware, monitoring the flow within him. He allowed himself to drift off into sleep while still sustaining the gentle current of mana flowing inside him.

Beside him, Mira stirred lightly in her sleep, then let out a soft sigh before falling still again.

Riven smiled faintly. He felt warm, at peace, completely calm.

That night, in the quiet warmth of the room, he slowly drifted into sleep while continuing to draw in energy from the world around him.

The mana kept entering his body, even after he had fallen asleep. The flow moved slowly but steadily, slipping into his pores, tracing the energy paths he had honed, then circling and gathering in his core. Everything proceeded smoothly, without the slightest resistance. It felt natural, like breathing—like his body had memorized every step of the process.

Riven had no idea that this process was doing more than just stabilizing his body. The mana that kept accumulating without end was secretly preparing him for something far greater. It was building up toward a surge of power—not just a burst like ordinary magic that occurs when someone discovers their affinity, but something that would defy all logic.

As dawn arrived and sunlight slowly filtered through the window, Riven opened his eyes. His breathing was calm. There was no heaviness, no fatigue. On the contrary—his body felt light, as if every burden had been lifted from him.

Then he noticed something.

The mana was still flowing.

Even though he was awake, his body continued the absorption process on its own. It was as if his body had developed its own awareness of the process. He no longer needed to force it or maintain complete focus to keep it going.

He smiled, a real smile, full of quiet relief.

Slowly, he turned his head to the side. Mira was still asleep. Her breathing remained even, her face peaceful. Strands of her black hair were slightly messy, some falling across her chubby cheek. Riven looked at her with fondness and gently brushed her hair aside before rising from the bed as carefully as possible, not wanting to wake her.

Once on his feet, Riven stretched his body for a moment.

And he could feel it.

The flow of mana was still moving through him. Soft and smooth, yet steady and consistent. He raised a hand, clenched his fingers, and felt the subtle vibration coating his skin like an invisible mist. His body felt warm, light, and full of energy.

In his heart, Riven whispered to himself, almost inaudibly, "I really did it…"

He stepped down from the bed and stood upright in the middle of the room, gazing briefly out the window. The morning light reflected in his sharp brown eyes. He tried adjusting the mana flow. And just like flipping a hidden switch inside his body, he could now control the flow freely—speeding it up, slowing it down, or stopping it altogether with just a flicker of intent.

That was the change he had achieved.

It was as if a gate within him had been unlocked. A door that had long been sealed was now wide open, giving him full access to control the energy from the world around him. Not just while sitting or meditating, but even while walking, talking, or dreaming.

Even though he had not yet reached the stage of Awakened, even though his affinity had not revealed itself, this was a turning point. A milestone that proved his body had finally adapted to the path of a Lawbearer.

He knew Mira had achieved it first.

His little sister had mastered this only a week after discovering her affinity. Compared to that, he was a bit behind. But now, Riven felt no jealousy. No pressure.

What he felt was certainty.

And the steps he took today… marked the beginning of something far greater.

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.

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That morning, like always, the man wandered through the city market with an air of ease. In his left hand, he held a warm bundle of honey-glazed pastries, and in his right, a skewer of smoked meat dripping with sweet sauce. Each bite was slow, deliberate, as if he were savoring a rare delicacy. His footsteps made barely a sound, light as if gravity itself barely noticed him.

His appearance stood out in every possible way, yet strangely, no one paid him much attention. Vendors, shoppers, even the patrolling city guards seemed to glance his way once before quickly looking elsewhere. It was almost as if their instincts whispered the same warning—do not approach.

His face was unnaturally perfect. Sharp jawline. Skin pale and flawless like porcelain. Golden hair flowing over his shoulders, catching the morning sunlight with a gentle shimmer. His eyes were gold too, half-lidded and distant, giving off a sleepy, uninterested look, like someone who had just woken up or simply didn't care.

He wore a long black robe, embroidered with blood-red flames that curled from the shoulders down to the cuffs. The design was striking without being overdone—distinct enough to draw the eye, yet refined enough to feel intentional. He didn't look like a noble, nor a mage, but something far more... untouchable.

Just moments ago, he had finished three large bowls of Eldoria's infamous Inferno Noodles—noodles so spicy they were said to "burn the soul." Now, he sat on a small bench beside the noodle cart, his snow-white face slowly turning red. His lips trembled, and his golden eyes squinted as he whispered in a flat tone, "This... is not food meant for humans."

He reached for a full pitcher of water and chugged it in one go. Once done, he exhaled deeply, his chest rising and falling as if he'd just survived a battlefield.

Then his gaze shifted.

He noticed a row of city guards standing near the eastern gate, dressed in light armor and holding long spears. One of them had been watching him. That guard now stepped forward, approaching with slow, careful steps.