You can get this Side Story as soon as you arrive in Noblecourt, but it’s highly likely you won’t finish it until you reach Chapter 4, as you’ll need to visit one of the Chapter 4 towns. The questgiver is in Eastern Noblecourt, in front of the tavern, and was once the head of a group of mercenaries, but was betrayed by three of his own men. He wants revenge, so you will need to hunt down these three men and Challenge/Provoke them. The first one is in Atlasdam, to the right of the tavern (Crest-bearing Drunk; strength of six); you’ll receive a Mercenary Crest as a spoil.

The second person is in Goldshore, on the beach in the southern area of town (Crest-bearing Ruffian; strength of six); as before, you’ll get a second Mercenary Crest. The third, and final, man is in Duskbarrow, just left of the inn (Crest-bearing Swindler; strength of six). Once you have acquired all three crests, return them to the questgiver to finish.