Upon further inspection, it does seem like Jeralt is being fully sincere. His laid-back, almost tired tone and mannerisms also make it seem as though he doesn't go out of his way to do things he doesn't want to do or doesn't view as worth doing, at this point in his life. So if he offers help, he does genuinely mean it.

"I admit, my specialty is polearms, which I'm not sure would work well for you, but I have a little bit of experience in everything except magic. Hopefully something I know could be of use."

He listens with interest. A gnome...? He's heard of those, but he's only seen... Lawn gnomes... And gnomes in storybooks.

"Huh. Even after all these years, I learn something new every day. Y'know, you could probably help me out too. I have very poor dexterity, so tinkering is a huge weakness of mine. I can never fix my armor myself." Or even tie his shoes, for that matter. It's bad.