Her meager job advancement didn't go unnoticed, but it wasn't the sort of information Merry was logging away to use against her or anything. What he did think a little curious was the obvious disinterest the woman appeared to have in her direct superior and his Number Two, Mr. Lewis. Then again, he had heard a few rumors that he wasn't a favorite around the office.
Merry nodded along the way and waved occasionally. He shook hands when it was appropriate.
At the theory about the western duel, he pretended to grab an imaginary cowboy hat and sling it low over his brow. "Now were'd you hear that?" he asked, emphasizing his accent to the point of hyperbole.
"Naw, it's just..." There was a little wavering, as he knew there as no way to avoid the implications of nepotism. He decided he might as well be frank, and frankly, he was a mess at trying to be anything else. "Family business, y'know? Leanin' the ropes."