Responses
I'm sure it's an oppressive feeling as they're in his domain. They were granted citizenship into his controlled domain. Like facing a high tiered powerful person, you'd feel a similar feeling in front of say the President of your company; the King/Queen of a country; or even an Underworld head boss. Just examples, it's just an air of someone out of reach that could cost them their "security".
From the citizen's expressions when they first meet mc, he mustve had a terrifying air or aura around him, but as a reader i dont really feel those moments... makes me kind of confused when reading. Wouldve hoped for more input on the art to make him look like he'll make you guard up.