Sucking air through his teeth he didn't know what to do exactly... then he got an idea. "Hey, Marie... ask me again when you actually look like you do right now... and when you are at least as strong as Taurou. On that day I promise I'll make a pactio with you... alright?" he smiled hopefully praying that this would placate Marie for now. He didn't know where her recent devotion to him had come from and honestly he was a little freaked out... he would just need to stall her until her... what was it exactly... Crush?... had passed. Yes, just retreat and compromise.
Don't let anyone get too close... otherwise they will simply run away.
Yes, he needed to keep Marie at a distance, he didn't want either of them to get hurt... and for someone so young he didn't want to break her heart so soon...