Watching the soldiers shout resounding slogans as they ran laps around the city walls, the gathered great nobles from every faction were deeply disappointed.
They had stayed behind to observe in hopes of secretly learning Hudson's methods for training troops, only to find a group of men running beneath the walls.
Of course, not every unit was running laps around the walls. The kingdom's Standing Army numbered as many as 270,000 men, and it was unrealistic to gather them all in one place for training.
The troops beneath the walls were merely several legions tasked with guarding the Royal Capital. The rest were undergoing military training at their respective garrisons.
Depending on the actual conditions of their garrisons, some units ran laps around their camps, while others went directly into the wilderness for field exercises.
With supplies guaranteed, Hudson showed no mercy, strictly ordering the noble officers to put their troops through physical training.
Slacking off was not impossible, so long as they did not get caught. Marshal Hudson was patrolling from the sky atop a Giant Dragon.
Once caught, they would be demoted at best. At worst, they would be thrown into the "Warrior Camp" to atone through military service.
Competition among the nobles was also fierce. The noble offspring serving in the Standing Army were generally those without prospects of inheriting land, all waiting to distinguish themselves on the battlefield.
Demotion did not merely lower their ranks. It also lowered their chances of earning glory and achievement.
Generally speaking, the higher a commander's rank, the more secure he was and the easier it was for him to accumulate military merit. Often, the efforts of his subordinates alone could bring him a great deal of credit.
By comparison, mid- and lower-ranking officers had it far worse. As the actual