The Mandragora Infiltration

While you wait at the guard post, the Duchess seems jittery. Answer her as you wish regarding the Cintrian, until Damien arrives, revealing you are fighting not one man, but a whole organization! His troops were attacked, and a hefty bounty placed on your head. Answer as you wish. However, the port warehouse where the wine was delivered has been identified, and although the Cintrian man remains a mystery, Damien’s sources uncovered a woman with the Cintrian is none other than Cecilia Bellante, a gifted singer. Furthermore, a chambermaid in the service of Cecilia (who hasn’t been found yet) claimed her mistress is to meet a Cintrian tonight, at a reception over at The Mandragora. Optionally ask what that is if you wish, before agreeing that nabbing the Cintrian is the next plan. However, discretion is the key to victory. You are to enter the reception at the Mandragora in the Upper Town. The Duchess instructs you to don appropriate attire, and meet her there.

PREPARATIONS FOR A PARTY

Prior to visiting the evening’s soiree, you have the option to dress up in something a little more becoming, rather than the sweat-and-blood soaked armor ensemble you’re currently wearing. There are a number of options. You can don any attire you have previously purchased from the following Tailor merchants, or visit them to purchase some attire:

Head to the Tailor’s Workshop close to the palace bridge, just northwest of The Gran’place, visit Pierre the tailor, and don an elegant Beauclair outfit (Doublet, boots, and pantaloons for around 600 crowns).

Journey to Novigrad, and visit Eilhal the Tailor, purchasing something Nilfgaardian in nature from his collection.

Don the Ornate Robe you came across in your Hearts of Stone journeys.

Or you can simply ignore the Duchess’ request, and turn up looking like a white-haired monster hunter, in your usual garb.

Each outfit garners a different response from the Duchess (and an elegant Beauclair outfit is automatically given and worn if you turn up unchanged, meaning you might wish to forgo the expenses of the tailor!).

Once you’re suited and booted for the festivities, take a stroll to the alleyway close to the soiree, around the corner from the Herbalist shop and across from Lady Orianna’s Estate (just northwest from the Metinna Gate signpost). Be on the lookout for groups of thugs hunting Geralt around the city. After nightfall, the Duchess arrives, gives you a mask to wear (which you can ask about if you wish), before you agree to head inside. The plan is to find the Cintrian by locating his partner, Cecilia, first. Speak to the doorman (asking about the evening’s performances if you wish), before mentioning Cecilia Bellante’s name. Though the doorman can’t tell you where she is, he does give you a clue; seek the Koviri orchid. Stepping inside and onto a stone balcony, Anna points out the owner of this property is Orianna, after which the search for Cecilia begins.