The demon scam

Merle clings to you and she suddenly starts crying loudly. "Where were you!? I got lost... I waited for you! Why didn't you come!?"

You hold her close and say in a soft tone. "I'm here now... Everything is alright now, I promise."

Merle sobs and buries her face in your shirt and you let her cry for now.

Naria steps foreward and crouches down by you and Merle and says in a gentle tone. "There there, little one, there's nothing to cry about."

Merle sniffs and looks up at the cat demon, seeing her furry ears... That shuts her up, and she stares in awe.