How to romance Anca: the research questline and final inn choices

01Before you start: Anca must survive, Latin is optional

Anca is human. Polygon reports that a low-blood vampire conversation can kill her, so resolve hunger before approaching her at night. This is a character-specific warning from a walkthrough; it is not a claim that every nighttime visit is unsafe. Polygon — The Blood of Dawnwalker romance guide ↗

During the prologue medicine visit, staying for Latin leads to Page-Turner and an early personal scene. GamesRadar's comparison of both choices found no relationship penalty for leaving; staying uses one additional time segment. Choose it for the scene, rather than as a mandatory romance unlock. GamesRadar+ — Should you stay with Anca or go? ↗

• Already left the hut? Continue the post-prologue research route.
• Still preparing the medicine? Use the separate Anca's recipe guide for the ingredients and mixing order.

02Recover the books in Echoes of Silenced Bells

After the prologue, follow Anca's convent investigation and recover the forbidden books. This is the first substantial quest in the research chain. The monastery route, safe passage and final notes decision belong to the dedicated quest walkthrough.

PC Gamer's romance report allows either resolution of the notes choice. Helping Anca pursue her spell may fit the relationship you are roleplaying, but the alternative is not documented there as a romance lock.

03Identify the hidden text in Between the Words

At Crossroads Inn, ask Anca to study the recovered books.

1. Inspect the apparently blank Sancti Mihai Historia Vera and bring it to her. Candle heat reveals its hidden text.
2. For the optional tea, use the pot and herbs south of the room. PowerPyx reports a time cost for this extra moment.

04Let Anca research, then leave for the lake

PowerPyx reports at least one full in-game day (16 time segments) of research after Between the Words. Inspect the map clues, then return before noon with at least 6 time segments left in the day. The Where Old Devils Lie guide below covers the map and ruins route. PowerPyx — Where Old Devils Lie walkthrough ↗

At the lake, you can express that your interest goes beyond friendship. The route continues into the ruins and then directly into Stronger Than Achilles.

05Open the trials and keep the way clear for Anca

In Stronger Than Achilles, the idol opens one gate; either character can perform that trial. Then open Anca's passage across the broken room, activate the inscribed pillar with Astral Communion and survive its enemies. Inspect the Font before choosing, then speak to Anca to leave. The Font guide covers the chamber and reward decision.

06The Font is a reward decision, not the romance switch

PC Gamer's dedicated Font guide reports that letting Anca use it, using it as Coen or destroying it can all lead to the immediate inn romance. The rewards and later consequences differ, so read the Font comparison before choosing. Do not select an outcome solely because a checklist labels it the romantic answer. PC Gamer — Should you let Anca use the Font? ↗

07Accept the final inn conversation

08If you made a different choice

A missed Latin lesson, skipped tea or different Font reward is not sufficient evidence that this romance has failed. Check whether the research chain is still active and whether the final inn conversation remains available.

If Anca died, the cited sources do not provide a later resurrection or replacement route. To pursue this scene, return to a save from before her death. If your problem is the missing expedition prompt, first check the research wait and morning departure requirement instead of replaying the prologue.