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.

looked at

someone

whole barrel-and he would not be the

Raven through the gates

Raven asked,

had been standing nearby and

for a beat before recovering quickly and replying with practiced ease, "He had something to take

to the rest of the group. "The other clan heads have mostly arrived. Please, come

gesture, he began leading them toward

simply smiled and followed, clearly

courtyard vast open space that served as the gathering point

she noticed was the enormous black stone platform at the very center

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Chapter 161

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more than thirty feet across, ringed by wide stone steps.

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

Raven had already

the food stands set up along the edges of the courtyard

banquet desserts hadn't been bad, but tonight's seemed even more refined. For once, a flicker of anticipation stirred

in his tracks as he watched her head

she likes this kind of

at the sight. Somehow, the image of the Iron Queen casually

him, Kyla was equally caught off guard. She watched Raven select a few sweets and sit down at a nearby table, showing no interest in mingling or

It deepened Kyla's uncertainty.

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

to ask Edric outright-if Raven did

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