"It is my pleasure, Miss Vauntier," Lady Duayes says in a rather deep voice as she nods to you with a grace that you guessed would not be out of place in the imperial palace. Despite the horns and bovine features, her eyes betray a depth achieved by few humans, although it is slightly masked by her lowered lids. Once you come to your senses, you offer your own haphazard greeting, starkly aware that while you may look like a lady, your deficiencies were obvious to the one before you.
"Well then," Marquis Rajes looks between the two of you gently, "I shall leave the two of you to get acquainted." Nodding to each of you, the marquis exits the room, although you are not sure if he is leaving the building. Lady Duayes indicates for you to take a seat, and you do so nervously. She too seats herself, not in a larger chair, which is available, but on a delicate settee, which while large enough to support her form, gives an air of elegance to her posture
"According to my understanding," Lady Duayes states as she lifts a delicate teacup to her bovine lips with her fingertips, an incredible feat of control given her oversized form. "You will need to learn etiquette worthy of a noble house, which will enable you to remain at the marquis' side, correct?"
"Y-yes, milady," you stammer, still unnerved by the whole situation. You tense up a bit more when Lady Duayes gives out a slight sigh.
"I suppose now is as good a time as any to start," the minotauress gives you a searching glance. "You do realize I did not address my appearance on purpose in order to discomfit you. Any advantage that evoke an unintended reaction from nobles must be utilized to the utmost, as we are trained in the art of disciplining one's expressions from childhood."
You mull over the information Lady Duayes has given you. While your interaction with nobles was sorely limited, you had a quick brain, and in a sense, being a low-born girl honed one's awareness of unspoken communication just as much as a noble upbringing might, if only for the sake of one's own safety. Lady Duayes was evaluating you, that much was obvious. She would be a sincere teacher, since she wasted no time playing mind games with you. However, her status, when human, must have been leagues above your own, given the references to her own education. You cannot help but be curious, but the Lady's reference to schooling one's expressions made you hesitant to give any reaction.
"That does not mean one should not reveal any expression," Lady Duayes continued in a rather satisfied tone, having viewed your moment of thought and appearing to approve of your conclusions. "Rather, one should know which expression to give to draw the preferred response."
"Milady--" you begin, but are cut off by Lady Duayes.
"You may address me as Lady Giale. While normally teachers are addressed by surname, mine is one which cannot be used elsewhere. Furthermore, you will soon be given an identity which will require you to address noble ladies by name, Miss Rian, so you must ready yourself," Lady Giale stated.
"Lady Giale," you reply, trying to ensure your thoughts and your courage do not scatter. "If you please, could you tell me a bit about the estate? I am still...unfamiliar as to the roles of its residents," you carefully pick your words.
Lady Giale seems to be pleased with your ability to catch on. No doubt that she has seen your curiosity as to her own situation, but by asking indirectly, if somewhat ham-handedly, you are beginning to pick up on the roundabout nature of noble conversation.
"As you have no doubt surmised, Miss Rian, this estate is a safe haven for those in our particular situation," Lady Giale begins.