At first, Neph gets a blank look in response to her odd emphasis. Imperial isn't Link's native language; he's not going to be able to pick up on puns as easily as he would with Hylian. But then he thinks on it, and realises...oh!

Link grins. She made a pun!

If only he could make one in reply...but alas, Link's mastery of the language is not that advanced. He'll have to just appreciate her puns.

As for why he's here...

"Have you grown..." he says, looking around. Trying to see if he can spot an oh-so familiar white and blue flower...