Rosa Var Attre: Double Trouble

The imposing Var Attre residence is well-guarded and, if you approach slowly, you can hear talk between the guards about a gap in the gardens that you might be able to slip through to gain entry into the house. However, a straightforward approach is also possible. Before any infiltration occurs, speak to the Guard Captain. You can:

Pretend to be a cook, or mention your profession as a Witcher. Neither allow you to progress into the residence, forcing you to enter surreptitiously from the gardens or sewers.

If you listened to Zoltan (by asking him for more information on Rose), you have the option of introducing yourself as Rosa’s new fencing instructor. The gullible guards allow you in through the front door!

Infiltration: This is Frederic Francis de Bergerac

With no other option, pick one of two infiltration locations:

The Gardens—Run left (roughly north), keeping the curved stone perimeter wall of the var Attre villa on your right side, until you reach some rugged rocks at the end of the wall, close to an angel statue. With a few clambering maneuvers you should be able to work your way to the cobblestone rear grounds of the residence.

The Sewers—Find the sewer grate close to the stairs, and jump down, wading through a few flooded chambers to face drowners and a water hag (who summons more drowners). This path is more taxing due to the revolting enemies. Simply follow the sewer to the exit, accessing the rocks to climb up and into the rear grounds of the residence.

Once inside the perimeter, you’re promptly discovered by a young woman in a fancy flowing dress. The guard captain recognizes you, but Edna var Attre (the sister of the woman you seek) covers for you, telling the captain you’re a nobleman with a suitably pompous pseudonym. You tell him you’re here as a sword instructor, and the captain reluctantly tells you to follow him into the villa.

Instructor: Grab a Wooden Sword, Learn to Attack

Follow the guard captain inside, to the top of the cellar stairs. When prompted, take one of the wooden practice swords, equip it so you aren’t striking the ambassador’s daughter with cold steel, and descend to a large practice chamber below.

Rosa var Attre is already waiting to begin the lesson, and a brief display of sword prowess is needed (you can win or lose, depending on your pride and conversation choices you wish to make). After the first bout, you explain you’re here on business other than swordplay. Feel free to embellish your chatter with flirtacious conversation choices, then ask about Dandelion. Rosa denies a relationship; it seems her twin sister may have led Dandelion on after he was hired to play the lute.

After a second bout (which may be won or lost), assuming you beat Rosa, she asks if you’re interested in giving her some private lessons. Answer “gladly” and Secondary Quest: Fencing Lessons becomes active in your future.

At this point, Edna (Rosa’s twin) enters the chamber, and explains her mischief-making (wooing Dandelion in Rosa’s name) and the two start to squabble. Separate them with light or gruff requests, ask about their backgrounds if you wish (including the Nilfgaard and their stay in Novigrad), before steering the conversation back to Dandelion. He gave strange quizzes after visiting the graves of celebrated Oxenfurt professors, especially someone named Margrave Henckel. He also praised a female troubadour with a melodious Koviri accent, named Callonetta.

As you leave, Rosa pays you, and asks again about more lessons.

Agree, and Secondary Quest: Fencing Lessons becomes available.

Answer that you’re not interested, and Secondary Quest: Fencing Lessons cannot be started.