On the training ground, five hundred temporary conscripts were running laps around the camp. Adjacent to them, ten teenagers holding whips were playing the role of drill instructors.
A whip crack for running too fast, another for being too slow, and yet another for failing to maintain formation had thoroughly exhausted everyone's tolerance.
The area's rigid discipline seemed quite successful, with no rebellious elements appearing as they had expected.
After inwardly scorning the backward nature of such disciplinary tactics, Hudson began to revel in their fruits.
Given the short amount of time, extensive military training was out of the question. All he could do now was teach them obedience.
Even if they were only making a show of it, they still had to maintain appearances. Actual combat effectiveness was unimportant compared to the appearance of fighting strength.
Despite deriding Earl Piers as worthless in front of his own father, Hudson didn't dare to underestimate his strength when in reality.
No matter what, it would be effortless for such a significant figure to crush a small fry like him.
...
"Hudson, we leave the day after tomorrow. Is there enough time for training?"
Baron Redman spoke with great concern.
Despite recognizing his son's knack for training soldiers, the time was far too short. To ensure an on-time departure, they didn't even dare push the drills too hard.
Compared to the intensity of training at a military academy, this was nothing. Not because Hudson was soft-hearted, but because the soldiers simply couldn't keep up physically.
In such a time of backward productivity, it was a fortune for laborers to have black bread to fill their stomachs. The Lord was generous for providing this.
With filling their bellies proving such a struggle, there was hardly a hope for better nutrition.
Insufficient nutrition and heavy labor took their toll over time, leaving the men in less than stellar condition.
This was why every recruitment drive at the Baron's Mansion brought so many eager faces. No matter the job, sticking with the Lord meant that at least they could have their bellies filled.
For example, despite the harsh conditions now, none of them showed any intention of backing down.
Going to war was indeed risky, but high risk brought high rewards. They didn't dream of instant promotion, yet the opportunity could still arise if they performed well in battle.
Most of the guards in the Baron's Mansion were recruited in this way.
Once you stepped over this hurdle, not only will the issue of hunger be resolved, but you would also be granted the privilege to cultivate your fighting spirit.
Becoming a warrior meant entirely different treatment. Not only were food, clothing, and shelter provided, but they could also earn a salary.
"Don't worry, father. We aren't hoping to train an elite force in such a short time. All we need is for them to look the part.
Given the scale of the drafting, even if we exclude the areas ravaged by the rebel army, the Southeastern Province could still muster an army of thousands.
Attempting to command such a multitude of troops belonging to different families is unlikely to be straightforward. I suspect they will be mixed together. Once fighting breaks out, who will be able to tell the difference?"
Hudson responded composedly.
He did not conceal his contempt for Earl Piers' mobilization orders.
For example, his own castle guards could easily disperse the five hundred soldiers before him.
Mobilizing such a massive force was more of a burden than a benefit. Real combat would reveal the horrific state of logistics, command, and fighting strength.
Rather than doing this, it would be better to mobilize a small group of noble elites. Not only would it be easier to command and ensure logistical support, but their combat strength would also be superior.
Hudson did not believe that he was the only one playing a double game. Any nobles who sensed something was wrong would likely choose to hide their true strength.
"Hmm."
"If that's the case, then that's the best we can hope for. But you don't have any combat experience. Once on the battlefield, you must be careful and prudent, and not try to show off.
I've written letters to a few old friends of mine. If you come across them on the battlefield, deliver the letters. They should look out for you for my sake.
But they cannot be relied upon entirely either. In the face of danger or involving major interests, none of them can be relied upon.
If the war situation is unfavorable, your priority should be to save your own life as long as it does not harm the family's reputation. Remember: Only when you are alive, will there be hope."
Baron Redman said with deep sincerity.
To Hudson's ears, his words struck a discordant note. He couldn't shake the feeling that his father was hinting at the idea that he could play deserter in the face of death.
Being a deserter is entirely at odds with the spirit of a knight. Nobles can be captured, but once they become deserters on the battlefield, it would be impossible for them to continue existing in their circle.
Many nobles would rather die in battle or be taken prisoner than become deserters for the sake of their family's reputation.
Of course, there were exceptions. Given Hudson's low profile, if he played his cards right, even if he became a deserter, it's unlikely that anyone would notice.
If worst comes to worst, he could flee to a distant land. Given the speed of message delivery in this era, the chances of being discovered were slim.
"Father, have you agreed to let me lead the troops?"
Hudson asked excitedly.
He had mentally prepared himself for rejection. Letting a sixteen-year-old boy lead an army was indeed a bit unreasonable. No matter how solid the justification, it could not offset the disadvantages posed by his age and lack of experience.
Unexpectedly, the situation had taken a desirable turn. Whatever the reason, Hudson was overjoyed.
The principle of prioritizing one's safety in battle, there is no need to remind him. As a time-traveler without a robust Golden Finger, Hudson wouldn't dare to be reckless.
The spirit of a knight, the glory of a noble, the reputation of a family, Hudson did not bear the burdens of traditional nobles.
From the very beginning, Hudson had decided that his motto was — "Strive not for merit, but for avoiding errors."
"Don't celebrate just yet, this counter insurgency mission is not so straightforward. I can support you in your ambition to acquire merit, but if you lose your life in the process, you'll have nobody but yourself to blame," Baron Redman sternly warned.
You could tell he truly had high hopes for Hudson. It was all a product of their environment. On the Continent of Aslante, there were only two ways for a minor nobleman to ascend: either he had to be personally formidable in combat, or he had to be adept at commanding a formidable army.
Given the low levels of magic in this world, personal strength, no matter how robust, could not compete with the force of an entire nation.
Even Sanctuary, in the face of numerous armies, had to be swift. Tales of a lone warrior taking on an entire nation only existed within myths.
Compared to the nearly unattainable goal of becoming a Strongman, there were many successful examples on the latter path. Major nobles indeed occupied high positions in the court, but the presence of minor nobles was not uncommon.
After several generations of management, it was not unheard of for minor nobles to reverse their fortunes and become major nobles.
To be precise, it couldn't even be classified as a reversal. The noble consortium created composite families with complex internal relationships, so if you were to trace one's lineage, it was likely they could all be connected.