Out For The Count, Down For The Clerk

Previous conversations with Lazare Lafargue has lead you to learn that Bartolomé de Launay, a ducal armorer, was asked to confirm the authenticity of a Witcher diagram; a Witcher had offered it for sale. Soon after, de Launay disappeared. The home of de Launay is as good a place to start this investigation. Head north, deep into the Vedette Valley territory, continuing northward from the Trading Post along the road, before making a right (easterly) turn. Ahead is the faded grandeur of Bartolomé de Launay’s residence, known as Villa Vedette. The front gate is firmly locked.

Head counterclockwise around the perimeter wall of the estate, passing a large tree, and locating some partly-ruined wooden scaffolding in the southeast corner of the wall. Leap and clamber up and on top of the perimeter wall, and drop down into the estate’s grounds. You discover (and can attack with ranged projectiles from the perimeter wall before dropping down if you wish) a unit of seven bandits, busy figuring out what to do with a captured man. A swift and bloody combat later, you’re the one doing the choosing.

This Clerk is a Person in Distress, and is much less anxious after a momentary loss of composure. You can buy from him, ask what he’s doing here, and inquire about the Witcher diagrams. He hasn’t made a thorough account of the items in this place, but you’re welcome to ferret about for anything you require.

The place is a mess, and among the detritus there’s some minor loot to pocket if you wish. But the reason you’re here is revealed once you find the unlocked door into the building in the northwest corner of the compound (with the red walls). Enter, turn left past the kitchen, into an old study area, and inspect the painting on the wall. Loot it to discover two pieces of parchment critical to your needs. Read the letter immediately; it appears Count de Launay was setting a trap for the Witcher who visited him, and went for protection to the bandits who dwell in the ruins of Arthach Palace.