As the capital of the Galactic Republic, Coruscant did indeed look advanced and futuristic. Countless flying cars weaved back and forth among the forest of skyscrapers—but Duanmu Huai and the others had long since grown tired of such sights, and even Mary looked quite calm. After all, the Systems Alliance didn't look much worse than Coruscant, did it?
After arriving on Coruscant, Earl Dooku led Duanmu Huai and the others to a rather luxurious-looking guest room, where they met an elderly man in robes who appeared to be around the same age as Earl Dooku.
"Welcome, everyone."
When Duanmu Huai and the others entered the guest room, the old man rose to his feet with a smile.
"I am Galactic Council member Palpatine, and also Darth Sidious. It is an honor to meet you all."
"That really surprises me."
Looking at the smiling old man before him, Duanmu Huai raised an eyebrow.
"I thought you would hide your identity."
"The important thing in negotiations is honesty... Please, sit."
As he spoke, Palpatine gestured for Duanmu Huai and the others to sit, then took a seat on the sofa on the opposite side.
"Besides, judging from what the Inquisition did earlier, I don't think any of you would go and inform the Galactic Council, would you?"
"Heh."
Duanmu Huai chuckled, then dropped heavily onto the sofa—fortunately, it was high-tech. Otherwise, he would have crushed it flat.
"I have no interest in communicating with Xenomorph scum, but I'm equally uninterested in wasting time on long-winded nonsense. You understand what I mean, Mr. Palpatine."
"Of course."
Hearing Duanmu Huai, Palpatine nodded.
"First, please allow me to apologize to all of you. Inciting the Trade Federation to blockade Naboo Planet was my plan."
"Oh..."
Duanmu Huai picked up his cup and took a sip