MODERN EMPIRE

Here is the revised text:

The grand meeting room at the royal palace was filled with the pillars of the nation, all gathered at Aster's request. The room was adorned with intricate gold carvings, and the walls were lined with majestic tapestries depicting the kingdom's history and mythology. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as the attendees waited for Aster to begin.

Aster, dressed in his formal attire, stood at the head of the table, his piercing gaze surveying the room. Diablo, his trusted advisor, stood beside him, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of dissent.

"Good morning, everyone," Aster began, his voice booming through the room. "Thank you for coming. I'm sure you're all aware of the recent developments at our borders."

Ultima, the Chief Justice of the United Nova Kingdom, nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. We've received reports of the slave traders and the rescued slaves."

Aster's expression turned serious. "As of today, we have accepted over a hundred new residents into our kingdom. They will be referred to as residents, while our original population will be referred to as citizens."

Lelouch, the Prime Minister, raised an eyebrow. "And what benefits will these residents have, Your Highness?"

Aster smiled. "They will have access to our education and job training programs, as well as our healthcare system. However, they will not have the same benefits as our citizens. They will be required to work and contribute to our society in order to earn their keep."

Tanya von Degurechaff, the Commander of the Special Operations Command, spoke up. "If I may, Your Highness, what about their loyalty to our kingdom?"

Aster's expression turned stern. "That's a good question, Tanya. We will be implementing a loyalty program, starting with the two girls we rescued. One of them will be trained as a Star Knight by Milim, while the other... well, she has a unique set of skills that make her an asset to our kingdom."

Balalaika, the 5-Star General of the Army, nodded. "I agree with Your Highness's decision. We must ensure the loyalty of these new residents."

The meeting continued, with discussions on the military, the economy, and the soul contract. Flare, the Minister of Mana and Magic Affairs, reported on the progress of the soul contract, which would be distributed throughout the empire soon.

"We've made significant progress on the soul contract, Your Highness," Flare said. "We've developed a system that will allow us to monitor and control the contracts, ensuring that they are used for the benefit of our kingdom."

Aster nodded, his eyes narrowing. "I want to see the details of the contract. I want to know how it works, and what benefits it will bring to our kingdom."

Flare nodded, pulling out a stack of documents. "Of course, Your Highness. The contract is a complex system that uses magic to bind the user to the kingdom. It will allow us to monitor their loyalty and dedication, and reward them accordingly."

Aster's eyes scanned the documents, his expression growing more serious with each passing moment. "I see," he said finally. "And what about the penalties for disobedience?"

Flare's expression turned somber. "Those who disobey the contract will be subject to severe penalties, Your Highness. They will be stripped of their rights and privileges, and will be forced to undergo reeducation."

Aster nodded, his eyes narrowing. "I see. And what about the residents who refuse to sign the contract?"

Flare's expression turned cold. "Those who refuse to sign the contract will be deported, Your Highness. They will be given a choice: sign the contract, or leave our kingdom."

The room fell silent, the attendees waiting for Aster's response. Finally, he spoke.

"I approve the contract," he said. "But I want to make one thing clear: we will not tolerate disobedience. Those who refuse to sign the contract will be deported, and those who disobey the contract will be punished severely."

The room erupted in a chorus of "Yes, Your Highness!" as the attendees bowed and exited the room.

Aster watched them go, his eyes narrowing. He knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but he was determined to ensure the loyalty and dedication of his people. He would stop at nothing to protect his kingdom, and those who threatened it would be dealt with swiftly and severely.

As the attendees exited the meeting room, they gathered in the grand hallway, discussing the details of the soul contract.

"I must say, I'm impressed with the progress you've made on the contract, Flare," Ultima said, her eyes scanning the documents in her hand.

Flare smiled, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Thank you, Ultima. We've worked tirelessly to ensure that the contract is fair and beneficial to our kingdom."

Lelouch nodded in agreement. "I concur. The contract is a necessary step in ensuring the loyalty of our new residents."

Tanya von Degurechaff approached the group, her eyes narrowing. "I'm not sure I agree. The contract seems... overly restrictive."

Diablo, who had been standing silently beside the group, spoke up. "I understand your concerns, Tanya. But the contract is designed to protect our kingdom and its citizens."

Tanya's expression turned skeptical. "And what of those who refuse to sign the contract? Deportation seems... harsh."

Ultima's expression turned thoughtful. "I agree with Tanya. Perhaps we could discuss alternative measures for those who refuse to sign the contract."

Diablo nodded. "I'm open to suggestions. But we must ensure that our kingdom's safety and security are not compromised."

The group continued to discuss the details of the contract, debating the merits of the penalties for disobedience.

Meanwhile, Balalaika approached Milim, who was standing off to the side, observing the conversation.

"What do you think of the contract, Milim?" Balalaika asked, her eyes narrowing.

Milim's expression turned thoughtful. "I think it's... interesting. But I'm not sure it's the right approach."

Balalaika raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what would you suggest instead?"

Milim's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I think we should focus on earning their loyalty, rather than forcing it."

Balalaika's expression turned skeptical. "And how do you propose we do that?"

Milim's smile grew wider. "Leave that to me. I have a few... ideas."