Doubting his authority, was he? Well, perhaps that wasn't too difficult to expect. After all, Van probably didn't seem like much of a commander in these patient clothes and he didn't exactly show himself to be much of a respectable leader either. "No-one here is under my command. I have little reason to give commands," he said, mostly to be sure that Teisel knew he wasn't bothered by the idea of losing his authority. Whether that was true or not, it didn't matter at the moment.

When Teisel moved back, Van took a few deliberate steps forward, trying to keep in a defensive stance. The fight had yet to start but given how comfortable Teisel seemed without a weapon, he likely had experience with hand-to-hand combat. If he had only had his sword by his side, he could make short work of the other man. However, that was no excuse to back down, especially after his antagonizing comment.

"Asch is unharmed, I protected my charge." Van fought back the desire to smirk, he was already pushing the line enough. "I fulfilled my obligation. The fact that you couldn't do the same with yours is your failing, not mine."