"Well, I don't if the rest of them ever told you but I ended up travelling." James. "I ended up visiting this place because my travel partner wanted to come and attend the DWMA, and I was planning to make a living here as a fortune teller until I got found and ended up being strongarmed into a deal." It wasn't necessarily a bad deal for him, but the fact remained the DWMA couldn't accept having a witch roam free. 

"Anyways, standing around here won't make for good conversation, so what do you say I take you to a nice rooftop cafe in Death City?" he offered. "I heard that they had good pineapple drinks, and we'll be able to get away from the crowd. I'll even treat you." 

In all honestly, it wasn't that he wanted Erika away from the crowd for her safety - it was more he wanted Erika away from the crowd for the safety of the crowd.