In truth, this ritual also caused considerable damage to Kurt. After all, it involved concealing multiple star systems, which was no small feat. He had been forcefully putting on a brave face earlier, then he threw Naga Sadow onto the table and went to rest in the castle.
While Kurt was resting, various events, big and small, were unfolding across the Galaxy.
Within the Jedi Order, Great Master Dooku had already become Count Dooku. He had returned to Serenno to serve as its Count and was secretly working with Sidious to achieve the Sith's grand plan.
Hilar, the hero of the Kaili people, seeking a way out for his people, led his loyal followers to join the Interstellar Bank. He changed his name to Grievous and became the robotic commander of the Interstellar Bank. However, in a deliberately engineered accident, he was transformed into a cyborg.
As one of Sidious's most valued apprentices, Korian Vos was perfectly playing his role as a Jabiim senator wholeheartedly devoted to the Republic. Covertly, he was also completing the tasks his Master had assigned him, drawing more senators into his faction.
Sidious, the mastermind behind everything, had always appeared in public as Sheev Palpatine. In secret, he manipulated Count Dooku to carry out his plans, attempting to subvert the entire Republic.
In the years since the Invasion of Naboo, more and more Outer Rim and Mid Rim planets expressed their dissatisfaction and refused to engage in further trade within the Republic. Various corporations in the Outer Rim also armed themselves, and friction with the Republic grew increasingly intense.
Now, in 27 BBY, Kurt had largely completed his affairs on Xiost and heard that Count Dooku was coming to Vadir University to give a speech. So he quietly returned to Vadir.
After several years of quiet, Count Dooku, who had not appeared in public for a long time, made a public reappearance, embarking on a lecture tour at universities across various planets. On this day, he arrived at Vadir.
At Vadir Public University, Dooku, a former member of the Jedi Order and now the Count of Serenno, was a public figure who even advocated against the corrupt Republic throughout the Galaxy, gaining a significant following among intellectuals.
Inside the campus, a crowd gathered around Count Dooku, wanting him to share his views on the current state of the Republic. After all, as a former Jedi, he surely knew more than they did.
"Alright, students, please make way. I'm about to go on stage to give my speech," Dooku said, asking the students to clear a path.
Count Dooku walked onto the high platform that had been set up on the campus playground.
"Dear students, future builders of Mandalore, greetings. I am a former Jedi Knight from Serenno."
"Today, I stand here not as a former Jedi or a Republic citizen. I have long since distanced myself from the pedantry of Coruscant, because my creed does not allow me to remain there. Thus, I have come to discuss with our compatriots in the Outer Rim."
"I understand the strength and glory of the Mandalorians, just as we Serenno people do. The history of Mandalore is a history of struggle against the Republic. Your ancestors showed all people in the Galaxy your warrior culture. Weapons are a part of your faith. This is not savagery; it is an understanding of strength, an understanding that the Republic and the Jedi Order have abandoned!"
"But it is this very Republic that rules the current Galaxy. It is corrupt, bloated, used as a weapon by bureaucracy and vested interests. It shouts for peace while turning a blind eye to the suffering of the Outer Rim people."
"It speaks of its democracy, but in reality, it uses various regulations to shackle powerful individuals. The Jedi Order, I once swore to be a Jedi Knight for life to maintain peace, but what is the reality? They have long since become numb!"
"I see that the strength of Mandalore is being underestimated. That is because the Republic is afraid of Mandalore! Because they cannot make you submit! But I want to say that fear will soon pass!"
"I stand with many worlds in similar situations. We seek order, not the tyranny of Coruscant, but an Alliance where everyone willingly unites and respects each other! Mandalorians should obtain their rightful place!"
"One day, this greedy cult called the Republic will lose all pretexts of democracy and freedom."
"May The Force be with you." Dooku finished his lengthy speech, bowing as he stepped down. In essence, he was urging the Mandalorians to resist the Republic, to reclaim their former strength, and not to continue under the current government.
Kurt sat below the stage and listened to the entire speech. His two-word assessment was: "Useless."
Yes, Kurt believed that everything Dooku said was empty talk, merely stirring up public emotions without addressing how things would actually develop, how to resist, or what kind of Alliance would be formed.
However, the Mandalorian students and adopted children of other races in the stands did not show much reaction after listening. Having received Vadir's education, they knew that what Count Dooku said did not quite align with the current situation. Mandalore was currently protecting many weaker planets in the entire Outer Rim and facilitating relatively fair trade cooperation.
It was not at all like Dooku claimed, completely without status. On the contrary, current Mandalorians in the Outer Rim, besides being numerous mercenaries, were also numerous merchants. After all, Kurt's enterprises now offered ship leasing and trade. For just a few thousand credit points, one could rent a herculean-class transport ship at the Vadir Shipyard, and with the Outer Rim Alliance's seal, free trade was possible on Alliance planets.
Dooku's speech was even somewhat counterproductive, making people feel that he was merely an ambitious warmonger, not someone genuinely wanting to help the Outer Rim people achieve a better life. In any case, Duke Kurt had done far more practical things than Count Dooku.
After the speech, Dooku went to the Municipal Building to find Murto. After all, he had a mission for this visit. According to Sidious, it was to plunge Mandalore back into civil war, which would better serve their interests. Furthermore, they could then recruit and support Kurt, though it wasn't just about recruitment, but also to test Mandalore's loyalty.
Reaching the mayor's office, a Protocol Droid knocked and announced Count Dooku's arrival.
Dooku then entered the office. Murto stood up and shook his hand, then sat down and inquired about Dooku's purpose. After all, merely advocating against the Galactic Republic wouldn't necessitate visiting him after the speech.
"I'll be direct, Mayor Murto. As the most prosperous planet in this star system and the entire Mandalorian Sector, and a Holy Land in the hearts of many Outer Rim people, have you never considered resisting the Republic? After all, if you continue to develop, you will become the next Trade Federation and will face scrutiny and suppression from the Republic." Dooku sat on the sofa, looking at Mourto Vizsla.
"Perhaps Count Dooku, you don't quite understand us. Currently, both the Outer Rim Alliance and Mandalore pay taxes to the Republic. Our relationship with the Republic is not as dire as you depicted in your speech.
Everything we do is for a better Republic. You shouldn't complain; you should build it, make it better. I hope you will say these words again when your Serenno is like ours." Murto, as a political talent within the entire Vizsla Clan, was indeed excellent.
"Moreover, what you and I discuss here is useless. I am merely a mayor. You should seek out Duke Kurt or Duchess Satine. You can make an appointment next time, and I will convey your message." With that, Murto saw him out.
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