This man sounds a bit like Ned, in the accent—American, Jacob thinks. The way everyone else doesn't pay him as much attention, though, says he's a fixture around here, or at least that he's been here long enough that any novelty's worn off. Jacob needs the information someone like that can give, so he smiles at him, charmingly roguish.

"Is it really that obvious?" he asks. Of course it is, and Jacob knows it, but it helps to lean into it a touch. Oh, dear, look how new I am, please do help me. "I just came in. Left the barracks very recently, and I'm trying to find steady work around here. So far it's only been odd jobs."

He takes a sip, and adds, "I imagine the troublesome weather's been something of an obstacle. Any idea when it might let up?"