I think its not as if he is doing it on purpose.
In his life he is always looked up to...in such a way of that...he has power snd forced respect and loyalty from all that work for him.
He is typically feared and served.
Around Tei this does not exist.
Tei does not fear shuraka and he holds a loyalty that wasn't born out of such fear.
To Shuraka he feels he can be seen as a lesser or even equal...he feels safe and comfortable since to him Tei is more than he himself is.
Which means he may not find reason to stand above or stand up...to raise his voice or act intimidating but he may not be consciously aware that he is doing this more childish behavior.
(Kind of like you can tell someone's deeper self by how they sleep. Such as someone might be considered to be more lonely and reserved if they curl up in the fetal position while sleeping. Vs someone who sleeps with their belly exposed on their back taking up a whole bed...etc etc
Its a true mask...its just a question of which mask is his true self?
Is it the one he uses in his daily life to command respect and his position...or is it the one he puts on around Tei to feel an escape and at ease when he is not in charge.
Yall think he’s always kneeling in front of tei to seem smaller and in need of protection?