After the end of the first exam, this episode follows the downtime between many of the participates that passed.

Recap & Reaction

Opener

The exam has ended with 6 parties that has passed. Genau has told the remaining party members that the next exam will proceed in three days.

The opener typically sets the tone of the episode. Since Genau announced the end of the first exam and doesn’t really proceed with anything else, expect slice-of-life.

Fern is Mad

While Frieren & Fern are off doing the hard work, Stark is laying in bed, enjoying his free time. Then, someone knocks on Stark’s door and he goes to see who it is. Surprised, Stark wonders how Fern made it back from the exam so quickly. She starts to question and scold him about staying up late and drinking juice. The scene ends with an angry Fern physically abusing Stark and pointing out that Frieren had woke up late as well.

The theme of the episode becomes quite clear as Fern gets angry, yet again. Without the sensible Sein to help mediate, there’s no real adult to help put her in check. Storywise, Fern “getting mad” is a theme that will continue to be used as comedic relief for a prototypical slice-of-life episode after a “plot heavy” arc has passed.

A Foodie Rendezvous

Frieren, Stark and Fern decide to go into town to look for something to eat. Frieren points out that there was a nice restaurant in town when she was with Heiter, Eisen and Himmel. Stark points out the absurdity of the length of time since, and if the restaurant is still even around.

The scene shifts to Richter working at what appears to be some kind of repair shop for magical equipment. Richter finishes up fixing lighting equipment for a very old lady. She thanks him and provides him with what looks like candy. Richter, being a middle-aged man, tells her that “he’s not a child anymore!”

Themes and motifs. They are used repeatedly more and more as the story continues, but are more subtle. In a prior episode, when Fern got sick, this is the same kind of lesson used on Richter from this grandma NPC.

Just as Richter decides to momentarily leave his shop, Denken & Laufen show up to invite him out to eat. Richter sarcastically says that “some crazy old man made me fistfight, so I have to rest.” Denken mentions how Laufen and himself are clueless about the layout of the town and would like for Richter to help them find a particular restaurant. Richter is beyond baffled as the first exam is over, but they are still hanging out, even questioning what Laufen is eating? In which, she answers that Denken got it for her and isn’t sharing. At this point, she is basically a ‘granddaughter’ to Denken. Ultimately, Denken convinces Richter by saying that the place he wants to go to is one that he used to go to with “his late wife.”

Ubel Reveals to land

Ubel chases down ‘megane’ to conversate. She assumes that the current Land in town isn’t one of his clones and he irritably asks, “if they can just talk while they walk?” Semi-jokingly, Ubel replies that she might “accidentally kill him if he ran away.” Land asks the obvious questions about Ubel to Ubel. “Do you feel guilt in murdering people? Why didn’t you kill Wirbel when you had the chance?” She deduced from his line of questioning that Land was watching that fight as well.

Judging by how the manga chapters were laid out, this is an episode that would likely have some filler moments, which actually enhanced Ubel’s creepiness. When Land walks by with the cats ‘meowing,’ it distracted him and the audience enough to have Ubel show up out of nowhere. This is a subtle change that definitely enhanced Ubel‘ just popping up out of nowhere’s looming darkness about her..

This is where Ubel reveals her special ability to ’empathize’ with people, copying their ability by being “deeply connected to their life and character.” She surprised Land with Wirbel’s ability of “Sorganeil, the spell of binding.” Through trying to get to know Land more, Land realizes that she specially uses magic “through her senses.” So, she doesn’t totally understand how the magic she uses really works. Land totally blows off Ubel’s line of questioning, in which she was hoping to ’empathize’ with him. To Land, he hates ‘dumb’ people like Ubel and doesn’t care if she killed him. However, he tells her how she will never be able to ’empathize’ with him this way.

By the way land answered, Ubel feels like she know him a little more and proceeds to follow him. However, Land keeps telling her to not follow him and that he doesn’t have a specific destination he’s headed.

This scene says a lot about Ubel’s character. It seems oxymoronic how her abilities line up with the acts of her killing people for pleasure. In order for her to gain power, she has to empathize with people, but that humane element to her character is counter to her, not caring when she kills.

The Best Restaurant in Town

At last, Denken, Laufen and Richter arrived at this special restaurant. Richter tells Denken that he has “excellent taste” being that “this restaurant is the best in town,” and that he himself, comes to this establishment often. For Denken, it’s been over half a century since he’s been to this restaurant. It apparently has the same kind of ‘atmosphere’ since back then. As they walk in, Richter mentions that they see’s Frieren & her party. Denken tells him to just let them enjoy themselves.

Restaurant Flashback

Just as Frieren tells Fern & Stark that she’s totally going to dig into the food, it starts a flashback with the Hero’s Party at the same restaurant. The chef at that time thanks Himmel, Frieren, Heiter & Eisen for bringing him back the “heirloom knife from the demons.” Referring to himself as, “Lecker, the greatest culinary genius of this century,” he proceeds to show them the “utmost hospitality” that he can provide. Frieren enjoys all the flavors that her dish is given. Lecker responds that the restaurant’s food shall always stay the same, no matter how centuries. Frieren slightly calls him out that “most chefs say the same,” but like to add their own touch to other chef’s dishes over time.

Lecker continues telling Himmel that “no one would be able to surpass him in creating flavors.” Himmel says that he hopes that “it stays that way” and “that’s the reward the he’d like.” The flashback scene ends with Lecker saying that he “will accomplish something no other chef has ever achieved.”

As the scene shifts back to the present, Stark & Fern are in shock at how delicious their dish is. Frieren confirms what she thought in the past that the flavor of the dish does change over time. However, it actually improved to being better this time around. Denken talks to Laufen like a granddaughter by telling her to “eat her veggies,” while Ubel & Land share a meal together at the same establishment as well.

These flashbacks brings tons of perspective to the story. To maintain the quality of the dish over centuries is a skill in itself, but people would look to improve upon it. This could be seen as a metaphor for many things like “maintaining quality” and the “desire to continually improve.”

Fern reverts back to a good mood after her meal to Frieren’s relief. Stark dampens the mood by asking about their finances as Frieren sadly says that “she used her savings.”

Fern is Always Angry..

Frieren approaches a meditating Stark as an old man states to Stark that “he has nothing left to teach him.” He is proud that Stark has reached the “essence of martial arts.” Apparently, he was just a random old man that was talking to him while he was training. After that odd moment, Frieren brings up the real issue. Fern is mad.. AGAIN!

Frieren brings Stark back to the inn to find an even angrier Fern. She tells Stark that “it was her turn to go shopping, but overslept. Stark isnt surprised as this is a repeated offense from Frieren. Frieren continues on that “Fern bottles up her emotions until it explodes.” The result of this bottling up? “The silent treatment.”

Now, Frieren is begging Stark to help her deal with Fern as she won’t even respond back. Of course, Stark is just as afraid of her. Stark reaches out to Fern anyway. As Stark is talking about how apologetic Frieren is about her mistakes, Fern tells him that “she wants snacks.” Stark can’t help but feel how troublesome Fern is, but he tells her that they’ll all go out for some snacks. The scene ends as Frieren remains stressed over her finances.

Between Frieren, Stark and Fern, there hasn’t been anything really new that’s been added to their characters. The writing continues to be put on repeat for them. However, with other characters like Denken, Richter, Land, Ubel and others, they are the ones that provide the fresh insight.

Wirbel & Scharf’s Search and Kanne & Lawine’s Meetup

Wirbel and Scharf are approaching random people in the street in search of a ‘warrior-type.’ However, they are having no luck in finding the right one. Kanne watches them from above on a bridge as Lawine meets up with Kanne, dolled up. Her siblings came back baring gifts, and her mother can’t help but “make her look pretty.” In Kanne’s eyes, Lawine is more spoiled than her, but Lawine feels the pressure of living up to her siblings’ excellence. Kanne teases Lawine by getting on one knee for “sweet wittle Lawine,” when the comedic relief takes over as Lawine once again has Kanne on her back, pulling her pigtails.

With this many new characters in this arc, it’s great to continue developing these characters as they will clearly play a major role in the upcoming exam.

When Parties Collide

Frieren, Stark & Fern finally make it to a bakery shop. Like most ladies, Fern puts her indecisiveness onto Stark, as he must choose which ones to get. However, Stark knows that she actually does care which ones. Both Frieren & Stark are confused as to what to do. Eventually, they run into Kanne & Lawine. Stark gets introduced and up to date about their experiences together. Being surrounded by this much estrogen makes Stark feel uncomfortable.

This is when Schwarf and Wirbel run into Stark, assuming that he’s the warrior—sizing up Stark and getting a closer look at his body. Stark has now went from being uncomfortable around a bunch of girls to being taken advantage of by a couple of dudes. Wirbel says that they have received a “request from the Continental Magic Association to deal with a ‘fresser’ monster that’s been terrorizing some crops.” Wirbel asks Fern, “if they can borrow Stark?” In an instant, Fern says, “go ahead.”

We’ve seen this bit before.

Kanne asks if that was the right decision? Due to Wirbel’s non-malicious intent, Fern felt fine with the decision. It was a complete change in energy than how he was during the first exam. Lawine also notes that her brothers are the same when it comes to “turning on and off” work.

This scene continues to show Wirbel’s more humane side versus his “doing what is necessary side.”

“It’s the Little Things” Flashback

Now, Frieren, Fern, Kanne & Lawine all arrive back at Frieren’s inn. Kanne presents a basket of gifts for her in gratitude for helping them. Frieren denies that she “doesn’t deserve it.” Lawine & Kanne are insistent that they could not have proceeded to the next test without her help.

This sparks another flashback as a little kid thanks Himmel. Frieren asks Himmel, “why he helps people?” Himmel easily answers with, “because I’m a hero.” The real answer Himmel gives afterwards is that he likely “does it for himself.” Perhaps, it’s so “people can remember him.

Frieren simply asks, “what does she need to do to be remembered?” Harping on the idea that small gestures can still mean a lot, Himmel says, “it can be a little things that can change lives.”

Again, the theme of having an impact by “being remembered” continues on, even in the slightest. All of these new characters are likely only here for the current arc just as real life can have us cross paths with people momentarily. By Himmel’s way of life and through Kraft the Monk, it’s still better to be remembered, even if it’s small.

It switches back to the present as Kanne, Lawine, Frieren and Fern are having a blast. Fern can’t help but feel incredibly happier eating from Frieren’s gift basket. Once again, Frieren notices her mood being much better from the food. Just as Frieren feels some kind of relief from Fern’s happy mood, Lawine brings up the fact that “Frieren couldn’t get up at all on the second morning,” souring Fern’s mood yet again.

Second Exam Updates

Lawine brings up the fact that their next exam will involve everyone being against each other. Just as she says that, a bird drops by to deliver updates about their upcoming exam, sparking a little montage of all the participates receiving the same letter. The next test proctor will be ‘Sense.’ According to Lawine, “during the past four exams she proctored, no one passed.” Then, the scene shifts to Scharf, Wirbel and Stark enjoying the end of their mission. Stark excitedly mentions how delicious the lion-pig meat is, while Wirbel gives a callback to Stark’s “essence of martial arts” tactics being used to take down the fresser.

The scene shifts to Genau flip flopping with Sense, in how he feels that Sense’s test is ‘cruel.’ Sense mentions that she is a ‘pacifist,” unlike Genau. 

Last Thoughts

The Prototypical Slice-of-life episode

If there was any episode that calls for slice-of-life, it would absolutely be this episode wedged as a transition into the next very important plot point. Because of the nature of the episode, Frieren, Fern and Stark provide the same ol’ character themes that we have already seen for the entirety of the season, but spammed a little more. It really comes down to everyone else in the arc that provides fresh new insight.

Ubel’s Development is the most Concerning

For all the fresh new insight that each character brings, along with interactions we’ll likely never get to see again, Ubel brings forth the most ominous revelation. The fact that she brings this new terrifying ability of ‘copying’ abilities by empathizing with people continues to build upon her villain-like arc.

Staying Grounded by the Story’s Themes

Every time there is a flashback, it is a constant reminder of what the story is grounded on with Himmel the Hero’s life lessons, which can’t be forgotten with the contrast of Kraft the Monk’s lesson—continue making an impact and be remembered. For this episode, a chef’s famous dish that gets improved over time is used as a way to be remembered. Also, the flashback of small acts of helping others is important in being remembered.

All in all, Frieren’s story will continue to ground us in all of its lessons, coming back to the same themes. The episode does a brilliant job at expanding upon the current arcs roster and how these themes expand beyond the main characters. Most of Frieren has been slice-of-life, but this one is the most quintessential slice-of-life of them all and that isn’t a bad thing.

Manga

Ch.46-47

There are more expanded scenes in the anime, but nothing that changed the overall narrative. There’s always a translation gap between the anime’s subtitles and the manga translations, but not a big enough difference here either to warrant mentioning.