Merlin

**Merlin** (マーリン, *Mārin*) the producer for the idol group KRT13 from Britain. He is also an advisor for the Rosengarten Schlacht.

## Appearance

Merlin's most notable characteristic is the giant floating 3D letter "P" in place of his head. The base of where his neck would be emits a flame-like energy. In the past before becoming a producer, his head was the letter "M" instead of a "P". His clothes consists of a black cloak, black pants and shoes, white gloves and scarf.

## History

Merlin developed a fascination with idols after being told about them by Morgiana. Wanting to become a producer himself, he started KRT13 with the goal of creating the ultimate idol group by gathering thirteen talented individual from around the world, scouting Arthur Pendragon, Gawain and Kay as the initial three members.

## Plot

KRT13 performs the opening ceremony for the Rosengarten Schlacht while Merlin helps using his magic special effects. After it is finished, he teleports them to their room where he praises them on a job well done and reaffirms their goal in the tournament. During the banquet after the opening ceremony, Arthur Pendragon catches a glimpse of Lynn walking by with a mysterious aura around her. Merlin praises Arthur's magical perception and tells him Lynn is afflicted by a powerful curse that even he does not recognize.

After Arthur is eliminated from the People Course, Merlin attempts to cheer Arthur up by praising him and reassuring him that his partners will succeed. Arthur asks Merlin for permission to use Excalibur, showing him the wound he incurred against Yamato Takeru. Merlin is surprised that someone managed to make Arthur bleed.

Following the end of the qualifiers with KRT13 being of of six teams that passed, Gernot announces two additional seeded teams and an Exhibition Match in which anyone may challenge the seeded teams for their placement. The idol group Say! Hi! JUMP announce their presence, making their live concert debut. Arthur is impressed that idol groups other than theirs exist and asks Merlin to scout them for KRT13. The audience are quick to praise the new group, some even declaring their superiority to KRT13. While Merlin acknowledges the new group's skills, he states they are danger to KRT13 since they have breast appeal which KRT13 lacks. Merlin wonders who Say! Hi! JUMP's producer is to have such skill to execute their show so well.

## Equipment & Abilities

**Magic**: Merlin is a master magician capable of using various types of magic, which he usually uses for KRT13's live shows. He seems to have high magical power as he is able to see the curse afflicting Lynn when most other cannot.

* **Teleportation**: Merlin can teleport people from one location to another. When teleporting, several glowing rings will appear from the bottom of the target, moving upwards until target has vanished.
* **Illusions**: Merlin is seen using illusions when he changes the appearance of his room during Morgiana's visit.

## Original Inspiration

Merlin is a mythical figure prominently featured in the legend of King Arthur and best known as an enchanter or wizard. Merlin's P-shaped head is likely in reference to THE IDOLM@STER, particularly Puchimas! Petit Idolmaster, which depicts idol producers in a similar manner.

## References

1. ↑ Rosen Garten Saga Manga: Chapter 32, Page 7
2. ↑ Rosen Garten Saga Manga: Chapter 7
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Rosen Garten Saga Manga: Chapter 8
4. ↑ Rosen Garten Saga Manga: Chapter 13
5. ↑ Rosen Garten Saga Manga: Chapter 22