Quoted By:
You stand and raise your glass.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if I might beg your indulgence for a moment? Once again, I should think myself remiss were I not to raise a glass in toast to our most gracious host, Mister Ortega. Yet it is not the terms of our wager that compel me to do so; rather, I sincerely believe he has deserved nothing by praise, be it from me or any one else at this table.
A man of commerce, a patron of the fine arts, a connoisseur of fine wines - Mister Ortega has it all, and yet remains humble as if it were of no consequence. While I do not fault him for his fortune - no more than I would for his quick wit or charming personality - one might be forgiven to lend credence to last night's talk of sorceries and alchymists. Though Natural Philosophy has done much and more recently to dispel the superstitions of centuries past, I should still prefer to live in a world where there is yet some mystery to the workings of Gods and mortals, so that charismatic young merchants may encounter life-changing events by consulting with sorcerors.
Far be it from me to insinuate the good fortune of our host on anything but his own proficiency and skill - though I shall have you know, my dear Alejandro, that if you *have* managed to find the Elixir of Life, and didn't think to share it with me, I should be very cross indeed.
We would, of course, never wish to take advantage of our host's hospitality to steal the secrets of his shrewd business sense - everybody is allowed some secrets, a lady should know this better than most. There is yet some charm to an enigma, romance to mystery - though I think I speak for all of us when I say that our gracious host owes us some explanations from last night; and if not that, then at least a good story or two!
So, ladies and gentlemen, let us raise our glasses to our most gracious host. May his fortunes continue to flourish as they have up until now, may his voyages never tire him, and may he always retain a bit of mystery and charm. To Alejandro!"
"To Alejandro!" everyone raises their glass.
