Part of being the hero of Skyrim is taking care of problems. Often, the most memorable moments involve slaying dragons, toppling tyrants, and usurping shady organizations. Yet the Dragonborn can't miss the forest for the trees; taking care of each citizen's personal issues is an important task.
When people like Mikael are permitted to continue their unwanted advancements, it damages the culture as a whole. Skyrim is better off when these forceful individuals are rebuffed. Helping Carlotta Valentia with her issue may seem like small potatoes, but politics is downstream from culture and this goes a long way toward fixing up the culture.
Dealing With Mikael
This is one recommended way to finish the quest quickly:
- Talk to Carlotta Valentia
- Stand next to Mikael at The Bannered Mare
- Best choice (requires speech level 17 or higher): Tell Mikael "She's not yours. Stop this nonsense." (Persuade)
- Next best choice: Tell Mikael "Leave her alone. Or else." (Brawl)
- On success, tell Carlotta Mikael has been dealt with.
This is part of a series of quests called "A Few Words With You." There are a few ways to deal with Mikael but one of the ways has perks over the others.
Players should, of course, be empowered to make their own decisions. While gamers may have opinions on whether to follow Ralof or Hadvar, the right choice is the one that feels best. However, in quests like that, the outcome is different. With Mikael, it's all the same.
Brawling will take extra time and there is always the chance that a bad punch hits a bystander, causing the Dragonborn to be wanted. It can also create havoc inside The Bannered Mare, causing dishes, pots, and pans to fly everywhere, making a mess that doesn't get cleaned up for the rest of the game. Careful players without the speech skill as a focus should immediately run to a vacated area before beating up Mikael.
Bribery has a higher chance of success, but it can fail. And, even if it works, players are out of those coins. Coins are needed for all kinds of favors such as buying beggars alcohol and giving away gifts. Frankly, Mikael doesn't deserve the money for his poor behavior.
Skyrim is available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.