[ The Darkling shakes his head, frowning. ] I'm afraid the year won't matter much. America is an entirely foreign place to me--but to answer your question, I'm from a place called Ravka. America doesn't exist. [ He's already bracing himself for the inevitable lack of recognition. On to better things: ]

I'm sure you sell yourself short, Dr. Carter. You have no powers? Just your hands?

[ Ah, there it is. See? He can be pleasant to non-Grisha. It helps that Carter seems to be somewhat genuine in his bashfulness, something that causes the corners of his mouth to turn into a small smile. ]