The Valkyrie Returns and Slays (Raven)

Chapter 161

Chapter 161

61%

"Lieutenant General Valor! When did you arrive?" Edric's tone turned eager as he stepped forward, posture respectfully lowered. "Please, come in-right this way."

Corey blinked, momentarily stunned by the sight. Edric Lysander-the head of one of Regalhold's Five Great Clans, a man who stood near the apex of Vyrdenia's power structure-was... being this courteous?

To a colonel, no less? What was going on?

The sight unsettled Corey. His gaze swept toward Edric, laced with confusion- then suddenly, as if a thought had struck him like lightning, his breath

caught.

He turned to look at Raven again, but this time, with a very different expression.

'Could it be... this absurdly young officer isn't just powerful-she has backing so strong, even someone like Edric doesn't dare offend her?"

As the realization settled, Corey felt a sudden, cold clarity flood his mind. Everything began to make sense.

Because otherwise-how could a girl, still so young, not only be appointed as the acting president of Regalhold University, but also wield such shocking

influence and dominance?

He'd seen her arrogance before. Her blatant disregard for consequence. At first, he'd assumed it was just raw boldness or foolish overconfidence.

But now? It reeked of protection. Of privilege. Of someone who had always been sheltered from consequence.

Corey's expression darkened. He had initially been willing to admit that Raven was a rare talent-sharp, decisive, even a potential future star. But if all that strength was the result of resources and pedigree? If she had been propped up to her current position?

Then she was no longer impressive. She was just... another overhyped product of power and nepotism.

He had seen enough of those: arrogant, entitled fools who thought being born lucky made them worthy of respect.

he looked at Raven

no way I'm letting someone like her into

whole barrel-and he would not be the man who let

had already ushered Raven through the gates of

Raven

nearby and

with practiced ease, "He had something to take care of. I'm not sure if he'll be back in time

of the group. "The other clan heads have mostly arrived. Please, come with me.

them toward the heart of the Lysander

followed,

the center courtyard vast open space that served as the gathering point for tonight's

stepped inside, the first thing she noticed was the enormous

1/3

22

Chapter 161

3.61%

+5

than thirty feet across, ringed by wide stone steps.

a glance, then quickly swept her gaze over the crowd. There were at least three or four hundred people in attendance, though the courtyard was large

seconds, Raven had already spotted

the

but tonight's seemed even more refined. For

walking behind her, froze in his tracks as he watched

this kind of

Somehow, the image of the Iron Queen

watched Raven select a few sweets and sit down at a nearby table,

It deepened Kyla's uncertainty.

Raven might come from a powerful background, especially after witnessing Edric's respectful demeanor. But if Raven really had that kind of lineage...

she knew better than to ask Edric outright-if Raven did have a powerful backer,

lingering, Kyla hesitated for a second, then walked over and sat down