In the quest «Every Rose Has Its Thorn» in Dragon's Dogma 2, players have the opportunity to converse with Wilhelmina, uncover some of her secrets, and assist her in dealing with a longstanding foe. This guide will outline the steps to win Wilhelmina's favor, enhance the level of relationship, locate all necessary evidence, and describe the rewards that can be earned by completing the quest.
A rather specific quest that can be initiated during a certain time frame while progressing through the main quests. For instance, we were unable to trigger it closer to the finale because Wilhelmina simply ignores all our attempts to interact. If you've encountered a similar issue, be sure to read through the walkthrough to the end.
So, the quest can be taken right after meeting this girl, who by default is located on the second floor of the Rose Manor brothel. You can find her here almost immediately upon arriving in Vernworth, but all dialogues will be locked. First, you need to meet Wilhelmina during the story quest An Unsettling Encounter. However, we don't recommend rushing to her right after this — it's better to leave this quest for completion just before leaving Vernworth.
When you and Captain Brant attempt to attend the coronation of the stand-in ruler during the mission Feast of Deception, the main story will continue in the Frontier Town. This moment is the best time to start the quest. If you delay and complete other quests, for example, Nation of the Lambent Flame, Flickering Shadows, Convergence, and A New Godsway, Wilhelmina simply will not want to talk to you. The reason for this is unclear. We were unable to get her to engage in a simple conversation closer to the end of the main storyline. So, if you've encountered a similar problem, you'll have to load earlier saves or complete the story to the end and then start from the point of no return.
Advice: before starting the quest, we recommend acquiring a residence in Vernworth. This can be done through the quest A Place to Call Home or later in the story by talking to a character named Salvator in the Nobility Quarter. This is not mandatory, but if you have your own home, later in the quest you will receive a love letter from Wilhelmina.
When you're ready, return to the second floor of the brothel with a gift (buy any flowers). In Wilhelmina's room, you can also inspect a chest and find a bouquet of roses. Press the interaction button, then press Y on PC to give the gift. As we've already explained in this guide, gifts can be given once a day. The easiest way to win Wilhelmina's favor is by wearing the «Eternal Bond» ring, which can be found from traders in the open world.
The next time you visit Wilhelmina, you will meet her servant named Rolf. He will tell you that the lady is currently conversing with a patron in the same room where you saw the pretender with the regent. Enter Wilhelmina's quarters and interact with the painting, behind which there is a crack, to eavesdrop on the conversation. The girl will notice the presence of the Arisen and will send Allard away.
In the dialogue with Wilhelmina after the scene with Allard, choose «Offer Your Help». This will start the quest «Every Rose Has Its Thorn». From this moment, you should not delay and focus on completing this task, otherwise, you risk failing it. Note that if you fail the quest, you can try again after starting «New Game+».
First, head to Sven's quarters in the royal castle. They are located on the second floor. If you are coming from the main entrance, go up the spiral staircase and turn left, and at the end of the corridor turn left again.
The guy may give you a side quest «A Veil of Gossamer Clouds» immediately after completing the quest «The Ornate Box», but it's not worth doing it now. Continue talking to the guy until he advises you to approach Patrick at nighttime. This character's estate is located not far from the entrance to the castle grounds, in the Nobility Quarter.
Lord Patrick will offer his help: to lure Allard out of his quarters so the Arisen can inspect them and find clues behind one of the paintings. Right after the conversation, a marker will appear on the map indicating Allard's house. Just don't rush there — if the guards see you, they will become hostile. Killing Allard in his quarters is also not advisable, as it will lead to a desynchronization in the narrative of the storyline. It's best to wait a few minutes until Allard and his guards leave the house territory, then enter inside.
Go up to the second floor and enter the door on the left. Next to the courtier's tunic hangs a painting — interact with it to obtain the first piece of evidence.
This evidence can be found in a house near the north-west gates of Vernworth, in the center of a large square and next to the barber shop. As soon as you leave Allard's quarters, run to the area marked on our map, enter the house and examine the table in the bedroom.
If the evidence is not there, go to the tavern at night and talk to Captain Brant, but do not give him the first clue right now (a window with item transfer will open).
First and foremost, we recommend heading to Captain Bratn in the tavern and handing over the evidence in the following order:
If you give the murder report first, you will miss out on a dialogue option that determines whether the captain will help you avoid punishment. After handing over the evidence, choose «I will accept any help you offer».
Having done this, return to Wilhelmina, who will be waiting on the balcony in her room, and present the one piece of evidence available. Offer your help to assist in killing Allard. Enter the room and press the «Grab» button, aiming the camera at Allard. Watch the cutscene, after which you will need to escape.
Jump from the balcony into a cart filled with hay and move a bit forward. Here, Captain Brant will meet you, but the chase will not stop. Run after the captain until another dialogue begins. If you stray from this character, guards will attack the hero. Also, Wilhelmina will ask you to visit her the following evening. Do so to unlock a romantic scene and complete the quest.
Rewards: