Ah, but it is you who managed to pull me from my childish pouting. I owe you quite a lot for that! After all, this queer gathering seems mandatory and I would prefer not to suffer through it.
[He looks mildly at the refreshments.]
Honestly, they want us to perform such painful tasks in front of strangers and haven't the courtesy to allow us a drink or two. I wonder if I could be granted leave for a moment.