The Valkyrie Returns and Slays (Raven) novel Chapter 498

hapter 498 Thorian’s Fear

Chapter 498 Thorian’s Fear.

Lorne’s words held such power that the higher–ups, already feeling guilty, visibly hesitated,

But at that moment, Alton let out a mocking scoff. “Heh, General Drakoh, you keep claiming everything you do is for the people of Vyrdenia. But is that really the case?

“You’re well past retirement age, yet you refuse to step down as general. Isn’t it just because Raven is your protégé?

“Are you truly doing this for the people, or is it just about holding onto your grip over the military? You know the answer better than anyone!”

Lorne turned to Alton, stunned.

Alton’s words shocked him profoundly.

Lorne had spent his life prioritizing Vyrdenia’s interests, refusing to retire for the sake of the military’s stability, only to be accused of clinging to power.

• What hurt even more was that Alton, someone he had personally promoted and trusted for over a decade, was now stepping on him to climb higher.

Never content with being second–in–command, Alton was now aiming for the top.

The betrayal from someone he’d relied on for so many years left Lorne deeply disheartened.

“It’s clear to everyone whether my actions benefit myself or Vyrdenia. Let me be blunt: if Raven leaves, who will you send to defend against foreign invaders?”

Alton sneered in response, “There are 1.6 billion people in Vyrdenia! Are you seriously telling me not a single one can replace Raven?”

He turned to the other high–ranking officials and asked, “What’s worse: offending the Parsons family or dealing with an invasion from foreign forces?”

The officials exchanged helpless glances and sighed.

“General Drakon, Raven cannot stay!”

“General Drakon, we need to focus on the bigger picture!”

“That’s right. We can’t risk offending the Parsons family over Raven.”

Lorne’s face darkened with disappointment. His voice was sharp as he spoke, “And what if I insist on keeping Raven in the military? Are you all prepared to defy my orders?”

Alton leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table.

He said, “General Drakon, if you’re going to be stubborn, then don’t blame me for what happens next.”

With that, he clapped his hands.

The high–ranking officials shot to their feet.

Elite soldiers stormed into the room, their presence suffocating as they surrounded Lorne.

Lorne’s face turned grim as he glared at Alton, his eyes filled with icy disdain. “You planned this all along, didn’t you?”

Alton said, “General Drakon, don’t misunderstand. I’m only doing this to ensure the stability of Vyrdenia and its people.”

As Alton summoned the elite soldiers to stage his coup, not a single high–ranking official spoke out against him.

Lorne’s heart sank as he scanned the faces of the department heads.

“General Drakon, you can’t blame us for not siding with you. You’re past your prime, and after your illness, you’re no longer fit to lead the military.”