In Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, quests are divided into main story missions and side objectives. "Taking French Leave" is a crucial main quest that follows "Via Argentum," marking the moment when you finally get the assistance needed to rescue Hans from captivity in Maleshov. Your objective is to free Hans from captivity at Maleshov; However, with the area heavily guarded, freeing Hans is not easy.

This quest unfolds in three major parts: infiltrating Maleshov using a secret passage provided by Rosa, locating Hans within the tower, and ensuring a safe escape. While the mission follows a mostly linear structure, there are strategies that can make completion easier, along with a side quest opportunity that’s easy to overlook. For the latest task guide and Cheap Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Accounts of different levels, please visit Z2U to purchase and experience!

Entering Maleshov: Following Rosa’s Directions

Your journey begins south of Kuttenberg, where you’ll find a stable owner responsible for preparing escape horses. From here, take the main road toward a shrine, then turn right. Look for a clearing along the road, where a left turn into the woods leads to the ruins of a chapel. Passing through an archway, you’ll reach another set of ruins.

Be wary of wolves in this area, as they may pose a threat. Proceed to a fallen stone cross, which points north. Following this direction, you’ll find another stone cross that directs you northeast. Continue until you reach a tree with a stone marked by a cross at its base. Dig at this location to uncover the tunnel entrance. Since you’ll need to dig, ensure you have a spade in your inventory before heading out.

If you’re already familiar with the map, you can head directly to the tunnel without following the exact path. Once the entrance is exposed, descend into the tunnel, light a torch, and proceed through the passageway. You’ll encounter a brick wall that appears to be a dead end, but interacting with it triggers a cutscene where Henry removes the bricks, allowing access to Maleshov.

Finding Hans: Infiltrating the Tower

Emerging from the tunnel into the wine cellar, you’ll get your first look at Maleshov. Hans is imprisoned at the top of the nearby tower. A guard patrols this area, so you’ll need to either eliminate him or knock him out to acquire his keys, bypassing any lock-picking requirements.

Exit the cellar and use the wooden stairs to enter the tower. The stolen keys can unlock the door, though lock-picking is an alternative if you didn’t take them. Inside, instead of ascending the first staircase you see, head into a small kitchen and wait for the guards on the upper floor to descend and leave.

Once the coast is clear, proceed upstairs and locate a room with an open door. Inside, a woman sits facing a fireplace. Sneak in and subdue her to take her keys, as well as an additional set on her podium.

If you’re pursuing a romance with Rosa, you can retrieve a book she desires from the right side of the window, opposite the bed. Additionally, collect the sword from the chest at the foot of the bed and another sword from a cabinet in the adjacent room. Once equipped, head to the top floor, unlock the left door using the keys, and enter to trigger a cutscene.

Escaping With Hans: Securing a Safe Route

Unlike your arrival, Hans refuses to take the tunnel for his escape. Instead, you must clear a path to the stables in the northern section of Maleshov before signaling him and Brabant that it’s safe to proceed. The best approach here is to instruct them to wait in the tower while you scout ahead, minimizing their risk of being spotted.

There are two primary methods to clear the route:

1. Sneaking and Distracting Guards

Move through the area unnoticed, using pebbles to create distractions. Once you reach the stables, signal Hans by holding up a torch. However, if you choose this route, you’ll need to return and provide additional distractions so Hans and Brabant can pass undetected. If spotted, a large fight will likely ensue, making escape much harder.

2. Eliminating Guards

The more aggressive option involves systematically taking down the guards between the tower and the stables. This ensures a safer path for Hans without requiring distractions. However, it’s a time-consuming process, and combat is almost unavoidable. If Hans is detected at any point, you’ll have to fight most of the remaining enemies anyway.

After successfully guiding Hans to the stables, your final task is to open the gate, allowing everyone to ride out of Maleshov. This action triggers a cutscene, followed by a brief horseback sequence where you must follow Hans and Brabant. Another cutscene then plays, seamlessly leading into the next main quest.

With "Taking French Leave" complete, you’ll seamlessly transition into the next main quest. Your next destination is Kuttenberg City, which presents an opportunity to visit Rosa if you retrieved her book. Players who have not yet experienced the game can Buy Kingdom Come: Deliverance II CD Keys to unlock the next mission and more new gameplay!

Conclusion

With Hans now free, you can continue your journey toward the ultimate resolution of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s gripping story. While your choices throughout the game influence the ending, this particular quest doesn’t directly impact which ending you’ll receive. However, this mission is pivotal in advancing the storyline, but unlike some quests, the way you complete it does not significantly impact the game's ending. The future decisions will influence your ultimate fate, so be mindful as you continue through Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.