Would she speak freely with a stranger?

[Kratos is under the impression that Zelda really, really doesn't like him. It's probably the fact that her barrier nearly blasted him out of the bubble the last time he broke in to the house.]

Regardless - I believe he may be wanting to talk with her and other people studying the coral on his own. He wanted to ensure there would not be another fight if he showed up at your doorstep.