Madam Solo, Allison Soro, was one of the Nine Great Wine Merchants in the Flower Capital, though she was considered the tenth great wine merchant.
She was a remarkable woman. Annan had seen how thoroughly the Nine Great Wine Merchants controlled the market. With the inheritance her late husband had left her, Madam Solo had spent more than a decade weathering their attacks, building the Soro Family into a rival that stood shoulder to shoulder with them.
She was something like a Southlands version of Lady Fine Wine, only far more formidable.
Win this woman over, and their Happy Water distribution network would have a much easier time.
"Give me her address. I'll go talk to her."
Annan ordered another serving of ordinary food. He cut it in half with a table knife, set one portion by the mousehole, then beckoned to the boy and gave him the other half.
Fatima Saylor left first. Annan, Klein, and Celine headed to the Warehouse they had rented to store the first batch of sealed cases of Happy Water.
Celine was stunned by how effortlessly Annan opened a Portal. Hiding the infatuation in her eyes, she asked, "Are you Master Level?"
"No."
After filling the Warehouse, they went to the Soro Family's Manor.
A Guard eyed the cloaked Annan warily and asked who they were.
"Tell them the person in charge of Happy Water is here to discuss a partnership."
"Happy Water? What the hell is that..." The Guard suddenly thought it sounded familiar and sent a companion inside to fetch someone.
"Does this Madam Soro have any particular quirks?" Annan asked casually as they waited outside.
"She likes beautiful people."
Annan looked puzzled.
Celine went on, "My bad reputation comes from slander spread by relatives trying to seize control of the family.