Merle

A 13-year-old cat-girl, pet and childhood friend of Van. She is jealous of Van's increasingly close relationship with Hitomi, but eventually comes to accept Hitomi; and becomes a loyal friend to her.

An orphan, she has since devotedly followed Van since she was picked up by the Fanelian courts. She never hesitates to protect Van at all costs (the twins Eriya and Naria spared Van's life once when Merle hauled herself in front of him, seeing their past selves reflected on her).

(Source: Wikipedia)