"Enh, you've been called worse."

It's funny because it both is and isn't true, depending on how you tilt your head. Cultural context isn't necessary, but does add a certain sardonic richness. A bleak umami. This banter has layers.

Lest Bastien begin to think he was actually a cop at any point, he adds,

"I was acting on behalf of the dean of the local academy of sciences. As for Jayce... he was nearly exiled for irresponsible use of smuggled goods."