How do I complete the mission “Polite Society, Valentine Style” without getting a bounty?

The mission “Polite Society, Valentine Style” in Red Dead Redemption 2 is an early story mission that introduces players to the town of Valentine and its inhabitants. The goal is to escort Uncle, Reverend Swanson, and Karen to the saloon without causing trouble or attracting a bounty. To complete this mission without a bounty, you need to avoid aggressive behavior, manage your interactions carefully, and follow specific steps to minimize conflict.\n\nFirst, when the mission begins, you’ll be tasked with following Uncle and the group into Valentine. Stay close to them but avoid running or bumping into NPCs. Running or colliding with townsfolk can lead to hostility, which may escalate into a fight or even a bounty. Walk at a steady pace and keep your distance from other pedestrians. If you accidentally bump into someone, immediately press the appropriate button to apologize (e.g., L2/LT to focus and then select the apology option).\n\nOnce you reach the saloon, Uncle will suggest having a drink. Follow him inside and interact with the bartender to order a whiskey. This is a scripted event, so you don’t need to worry about causing trouble here. However, after the cutscene, a drunk NPC will provoke you. This is a critical moment where you must avoid escalating the situation. Do not draw your weapon or punch the NPC. Instead, defuse the situation by choosing the calm dialogue options or simply walking away.\n\nAfter leaving the saloon, you’ll encounter another potential conflict outside. A group of men will confront Uncle, and you’ll have the option to intervene. To avoid a bounty, do not initiate combat. Instead, let Uncle handle the situation. If you choose to step in, use non-lethal methods like tackling or disarming the aggressors. Avoid using your gun, as this will almost certainly result in a bounty. If you accidentally kill someone, flee the area immediately to avoid being identified by witnesses or lawmen.\n\nThroughout the mission, keep an eye on your minimap for red dots indicating hostile NPCs. If a fight breaks out, focus on defending yourself without causing unnecessary harm. Use your fists or melee weapons to subdue attackers, but avoid killing them. If lawmen arrive, stop fighting and surrender if necessary. Surrendering will cost you a small amount of money but will prevent a larger bounty.\n\nFinally, after the mission concludes, leave Valentine as quickly as possible. Lingering in town increases the risk of accidental conflicts or bounties. If you do incur a bounty, pay it off at the nearest post office to avoid future complications. By following these steps, you can complete “Polite Society, Valentine Style” without attracting a bounty and maintain a clean reputation in the game.\n\nPractical tips for this mission include saving your game before starting, as this allows you to reload if things go wrong. Additionally, avoid carrying illegal items like stolen goods, as these can increase your chances of being targeted by lawmen. Lastly, practice restraint in your interactions with NPCs, as even minor offenses can escalate quickly in Valentine.