Carlton paid no mind to the identity of their visitor, his attention wholly consumed by the task of selecting an appropriately delectable sandwich from the lavish spread before him. He remained oblivious to the person's approach, guided by Lady Maria with all the pomp and circumstance befitting a royal audience.
However, as the familiar voice rang out in greeting to Empress June, Carlton felt an unsettling sense of déjà vu wash over him. He paused mid-construction, his brow furrowing slightly as he strained to place the dulcet tones that had so abruptly intruded upon his culinary concentration.
"Your Majesty," the woman gushed saccharine sweetness, "it is an absolute honor beyond compare to bask in your radiant presence today. I am eternally indebted for your magnanimous invitation to partake in this most exquisite ritual of afternoon tea. Your boundless benevolence and generosity are truly without peer."
