How do I complete "The Gilded Cage" without alerting the guards?

Completing ''The Gilded Cage'' mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 without alerting the guards requires a combination of stealth, patience, and strategic planning. This mission involves infiltrating the mayor''s mansion in Saint Denis to retrieve a ledger for Bronte. The mansion is heavily guarded, and alerting the guards can lead to a chaotic shootout, making stealth the preferred approach.\n\nFirst, ensure you are equipped with the right tools. Before starting the mission, stock up on throwing knives or a bow with improved arrows. These silent weapons are essential for taking out guards without raising alarms. Additionally, wear dark clothing to blend into the shadows and avoid detection. The mission begins with Arthur and Dutch arriving at the mansion, and you will need to sneak in through the side gate.\n\nOnce inside, crouch to stay hidden and use the cover system to avoid being spotted. The mansion''s garden is patrolled by guards, so observe their movement patterns. Wait for a guard to turn their back or move away before advancing. Use your throwing knife or bow to silently eliminate guards in your path. Aim for headshots to ensure a quick and quiet kill. If you miss or alert a guard, quickly hide and wait for the alert status to subside.\n\nAfter clearing the garden, make your way to the mansion''s side entrance. Inside, you will encounter more guards and servants. Use the same stealth tactics to avoid detection. Stick to the shadows and move slowly. If you encounter a servant, you can either knock them out or wait for them to pass. Be cautious when opening doors, as they can creak and attract attention. Use Eagle Eye to highlight enemies and plan your route.\n\nOnce you reach the mayor''s office, interact with the desk to retrieve the ledger. However, be prepared for a scripted event where a guard enters the room. Quickly hide behind the desk or in a corner to avoid being seen. If the guard spots you, use a melee attack to subdue them silently. After retrieving the ledger, exit the mansion the same way you came in, avoiding guards and maintaining stealth.\n\nCommon challenges include dealing with tight spaces and unpredictable guard movements. If you find yourself stuck, consider reloading a previous save to retry the mission with a better strategy. Remember, patience is key. Rushing through the mission increases the risk of detection. Take your time to observe and plan each move.\n\nPractical tips for success include saving your game before starting the mission, using Eagle Eye frequently to track enemy positions, and practicing your aim with silent weapons. If you prefer a non-lethal approach, you can use melee attacks to knock out guards instead of killing them. However, this requires precise timing and positioning. Finally, if all else fails, remember that you can always restart the mission and try again with a fresh approach.\n\nBy following these steps and utilizing stealth mechanics effectively, you can complete ''The Gilded Cage'' without alerting the guards and achieve a smooth, successful mission.