[ . . . . hm. Tenka moves his hand to pat her on the head then, even as he bends down to try to look her in the eye.]

I don't know how that thought got put into your head. Aniki will always protect you. That's what family does.

... but I also think that you can be really strong, Mary-chan. So if you don't want me to come rushing in every time, I'll do my best to avoid that too.