That scent is what is keeping Eric's attention now, more so than the original 'what the hell are you doing' factor. It's strange, which makes it interesting and thus worthwhile. The accent matches the scent. Oh, Eric so liked mysteries. Gave him something to do with all the time he had.

"Eric Northman. Sheriff." The title means little here, but it was still his. His detached curiosity turns into smug disdain as he continues. "Dedicated to my queen, but that's no longer the case."