Chapter 60 Encounter
Ouye Manor was smaller than most people imagined.
While its facilities were massive, occupying a fifth of Jing County’s area and employing many of the Common Folk from the region for various tasks, the actual number of core Sword Smiths within Ouye Manor totaled a mere seven.
Adding probationary members and apprentice smiths who hadn’t yet received formal recognition would more than double that number. However, all commissions were based on the Sword Smiths’ expertise. This meant that for the Four Seasons Orb, only seven orders were accepted.
Furthermore, all commissions were accepted through a Nomination System. Clients would submit their requests to specific Sword Smiths, who would then choose one commission from those submitted under their name.
Consequently, those seeking commissions engaged in fierce psychological battles.
It was nothing short of an entrance exam—no, a residency war—among those who had managed to secure train tickets during a holiday rush!
“I’m thinking of submitting my request to Artisan Bokmo this time.”
“You too? Hmm, in that case, perhaps I should switch to Artisan Yumyeon. They’re both quite similar, after all…”
“Bokmo? Yumyeon? Don’t make me laugh. Their names lack fundamental prestige. I’ll entrust mine to Master Cheoldanu. Doesn’t his name alone exude the demeanor of a true Sword Smith?”
“Fools. The Manor Lord position of Ouye Manor isn’t hereditary; it’s based on skill. You must always bet on the Manor Lord!”
