It was strange and sort of hilarious. Khan had spent so long among people he could read like a book that he had forgotten how it felt to be on the other side.
The Emperor and his Royal Guards outclassed Khan, be it in sheer power or understanding of the evolved realm. They were stronger than him and knew how to use that might better, leaving him exposed to all sorts of inspections and pressure.
Of course, Khan could defend himself. His element was no pushover and could run interference against those foreign auras.
However, the Emperor had already expressed doubts about Khan's behavior, and the Royal Guards' banter didn't make him underestimate them. It might not sound like that, but the situation was deadly serious, so Khan didn't want to give the Thilku any excuse to suppress him.