If she doesn't appreciate the gray-haired scoundrel's company, she need only say so and he won't bother her anymore. He gets the feeling she kinda does like seeing him around, though. He also happens to be up on the current events that she might (or might not) be referencing.

"If only we could figure out what it was that keeps this place in order. Then maybe would could ship it home in droves and hope it fixes things."