My guess would be he saw you hurrying (in his opinion) and asked why in a ham-handed colloquial way, not understanding the implication until the words left his mouth/saw your reaction.
Let it go - you're providing too much rent-free space to a nothing-burger.
Was "a. Send a copy of the summons, petition, and any affidavit to respondent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address that petitioner had averred it is most likely that mail will be received by respondent." done?