Merle is a young cat-girl, thirteen years of age, who serves as a supporting character in the narrative. She is an orphan from the town of Irini in the kingdom of Fanelia, taken in by the Fanelian court after being found by the knight Balgus. She grew up alongside Van Slanzar de Fanel, the young prince of Fanelia, and is one of the few people who knows his secret of being half-Draconian. Her appearance is distinctive, with short pink hair, purple eyes, black stripes on her face, tail, arms, and legs, and a puff of white fur at the tip of her tail. She typically wears a yellow-orange sundress with a black spot resembling a cheetah mark and a pink nail file on a black string around her neck. In terms of personality, Merle is described as spunky, hyper, and fiery, providing much of the comic relief through her playful antics and quick wit. She is fiercely loyal, especially to Van, and is initially very jealous of any female who gets close to him, particularly Hitomi Kanzaki. This jealousy stems from her deep attachment to Van, as they have been together for most of their lives, both being orphans who only had each other. She is overprotective of him and can be controlling, but her actions are driven by a genuine desire to protect those she loves. Merle's primary role in the story is as Van's childhood friend and constant companion. She accompanies him through the destruction of his kingdom and the subsequent journey. Her initial conflict with Hitomi gradually evolves as she comes to accept and even befriend her, eventually becoming a loyal friend. Her key relationships are with Van, to whom she is devoted, and Hitomi, with whom she develops a bond over time. She also has a brief but meaningful encounter with the twins Eriya and Naria, who spare Van's life after Merle places herself in front of them, seeing their own past in her actions. Throughout the series, Merle undergoes noticeable character development. She begins as a fiercely possessive and somewhat immature figure, but as the adventures progress, she grows more mature, smart, and caring. She learns to let go of her jealousy and becomes less protective of Van, ultimately encouraging him to express his feelings for Hitomi near the end of the story. After the final conflict, she is seen helping to rebuild homes and towns, demonstrating her growth into a more selfless individual. As a cat-girl, Merle possesses physical traits such as animal ears and a tail, and she is agile and capable in a fight, using her speed and strength to protect her friends. She is also known for carrying a red ball of yarn. However, she does not possess any supernatural or magical abilities, relying instead on her innate agility, tenacity, and fierce loyalty to contribute to the group's efforts. Her devotion and willingness to put herself in danger for Van and, eventually, Hitomi, define her capabilities within the story.