Predatory Marriage (Web Novel)

Chapter 14 – Unwelcomed Guests

The kingdom of Estia, located in the Southwest of the continent, was renowned for its culture and art. As a matter of fact, most of the well-known artists in history belong to this vast kingdom.

These great artists loved their homeland so much that they wouldnt hesitate to dedicate their work to their beloved royal family.

Reflecting the essence of the aesthetically beautiful kingdom was its palace, located at its very heart. A pinnacle of art, the castle of Estia didnt disappoint either. According to historians, it was breath-taking—a sight to behold.

It was built with red bricks and gray stone and painted with a special varnish which glittered gracefully under the sun. The beautiful exterior alone was spectacular, but the interior was even more magnificent.

Elegant vertical columns and long corridors lead to dozens of rooms, each of which was embellished with white marble and other colored stones, gold, and gems.

Moreover, the halls were adorned with beautiful masterpieces—sculptures and paintings, made by remarkable artists. Such a shame though, the royal family cared naught for them. They were mere ornaments and didnt deserve any care, and thus, they were damaged with time.

However, everyone knew that unlike the palaces splendid shell, the humans in its core were wretched.

The nobles no longer feared the king—the ruler of Estia was once highly respected and even regarded as powerful as the sun. But now, he would pale in comparison to a small lamp.

Stubborn as he was, the king clung to his meaningless pride and turned a blind eye to reality, even when his sovereign power hit rock bottom.

The betrothal of the royal princess was a clear indication of the royal familys downfall. Byun Gyeongbaek of Oberde wanted no one but Princess Leah, and the royal family had quickly sold her off—without any objection and careful consideration.

The military power of Byun Gyeongbaek of Oberde protected the frontier from the Kurkans—a power that shouldve belonged to the nations king. To flaunt his wealth and supremacy, he wore purple clothes— something only the royalty could afford and should afford.

The purple dye was a rare and precious commodity in the kingdom—it could only be extracted by crushing thousands of shells of snails living in warm waters.

On top of that, the dye obtained from crushing a thousand of these tiny animals was just enough to stain only a small piece of cloth.

And because Byun Gyeongbaek monopolized the supply of dye, there were times when even the royal family couldnt get their hands on it.