The Valkyrie Returns and Slays (Raven)

Chapter 161

Chapter 161

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"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.

now, he looked at

no way I'm letting someone like her

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

ushered Raven through the gates of House

politely, Raven asked, "Where's

Kyla-who had been standing nearby and already surprised by Edric's behavior-visibly

before recovering quickly and replying with practiced ease, "He had something to take care of. I'm not sure if he'll be back in time tonight, but I'll check with him

turned to the rest of the group. "The other clan heads have mostly arrived. Please, come with me. I'll introduce

he began leading them toward the heart of the Lysander

didn't comment, simply smiled and followed, clearly unfazed by

they reached the center courtyard vast open space

the enormous black stone

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Chapter 161

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more than thirty feet across,

glance, then quickly swept her gaze over the crowd. There were at least three or

already spotted several

the edges of the courtyard exquisite pastries

even more refined. For once, a flicker of

his tracks as he watched her

this kind of

image of the Iron Queen

guard. She watched Raven select a few sweets and sit

It deepened Kyla's uncertainty.

witnessing Edric's respectful demeanor. But if Raven really had that kind of lineage... would

Raven did have a powerful backer, Edric

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