In the intriguing mission of *The Witcher 3* titled "Ashen Marriage," set in the bustling city of Novigrad, players delve into a narrative where Triss Merigold, the beloved sorceress, finds herself smitten with Castello and eager to tie the knot. Geralt of Rivia, ever the dependable friend, steps in to help orchestrate the wedding preparations. His tasks include clearing the canals of menacing monsters, sourcing the finest alcohol for the celebration, and selecting a thoughtful gift for the bride-to-be.
The choice of gift holds significant weight, as it directly influences Triss's emotional response. Opting for a memory rose, a poignant reminder from *The Witcher 2*, evokes a powerful reaction from Triss, stirring a storm of emotions. On the other hand, more modest gifts may not elicit the same warmth or appreciation.
However, the wedding plans take an unexpected turn when Dijkstra uncovers that Edmund, the nobleman at the center of the affair, is entangled with witch hunters. This revelation casts a shadow over Edmund's intentions, suggesting he might be acting under coercion. The hunters are blackmailing him, threatening to expose the secret of his daughter from a previous marriage.
Geralt faces a pivotal decision: whether to disclose this troubling information to Triss privately or in Edmund's presence. Regardless of the approach, the outcome remains the same—the wedding is called off. Triss either feels betrayed by her fiancé or, despite appreciating his honesty, concludes that the marriage would be too hasty.
This twist in the plot not only deepens the dynamic between Geralt and Triss but also enriches the development of secondary characters, adding layers of complexity to the game's narrative.