Chapter 66

Places One Likes is the sixty-sixth chapter of Yamada Kanehito & Abe Tsukasa's Frieren: Beyond Journey's End.

Summary
Twenty-nine years after the Hero Himmel's passing, Frieren's Party are in the Fortified City of Heiß. As they have some free time, Stark, in an attempt to get even with Fern's harshness, asks her on a date. To his surprise, she accepts. Stark then asks Frieren for advice on what Fern would like, and Frieren takes him to spots around the city she thinks Fern would enjoy. Stark comments that she knows Fern well, but Frieren says it is really Heiter who knew her well. Nonetheless, Stark says it is impressive for Frieren to remember all these things, and she is managing to be a good parent after all. The next morning, Fern asks Frieren which dress is better. A tired Frieren says they're the same, and Fern braids Frieren's hair angrily. After, Stark and Fern meet in the streets, and head out on their date.

Plot Details
Twenty-nine years after the Hero Himmel's passing, Frieren's Party are in the Northern Lands, specifically the Fortified City of Heiß.

Inside the inn that Frieren's Party have rented, Fern, while reading a book, is having a conversation with Stark. She recalls the fact that Frieren has been constantly bathing in the city's hot springs since they arrived. Stark adds that every time Frieren leaves the hot springs, it is to go to a magic shop. Fern notes that the party will be staying for two more days and agrees with Stark that Frieren has been moderate in her behavior, attributing it to her strict treatment of Frieren. She mentions that they will be completely free tomorrow, and Stark plans to visit a weapons shop to get his axe sharpened. Fern reminds Stark that she is free too and calls him tactless. Stark, determined to retaliate and tease Fern, takes it a step further and invites her out on a date. Although Fern's facial expression remains unchanged, she drops her book in response to Stark’s unexpected proposal. Concerned that she might react angrily as she did before, Stark is surprised when Fern accepts his proposal and promptly leaves, stating that they will meet again the next day which leaves Stark confused.

Later, Stark, feeling worried that Fern may be angry, recounts all of the events to Frieren over a meal. Frieren questions Stark’s sanity and reminds him who he is talking to. Stark realizes that he is making an impossible inquiry. Undeterred, Frieren assures Stark that it's not impossible, stating that she is a young lady after all and would know how a maiden’s heart works. Desperate, Stark decides to count on Frieren. Recalling the previous events, Stark asks Frieren what she thinks when he asks her out for a date. With confidence, Frieren remarks that Stark is an adult now and she would be happy enough to treat him to a meal. Stark realizes that Frieren can’t be relied upon, as she now appears to act more like a grandmother to her grandchildren. Frieren sternly reminds Stark that it was the second time he called her something similar, emphasizing that there won't be a third time—leaving Stark visibly apprehensive. Stark asks what would happen after the third time. Frieren reveals that she will cry and throw a tantrum. She adds that she is so scary when she resorts to such tactics that even Himmel trembled in fear of her tantrum that Heiter mentioned lasted for three whole days.

Moving back to the topic, Frieren says that it is already known that Stark is somewhat insensitive. Stark confides in Frieren that it wasn’t a situation where he could retract his original proposal to Fern. Instead, he was planning to ask Frieren about places that Fern would like. Stark decides that it is probably his own responsibility to look for a place, but Frieren, with a smile, says that she might know of a few places that Fern might like. Frieren then shows Stark several places before finally reaching a high area that overlooks the rest of the city, noting that a quiet, open place is an option. Stark is impressed to see how much Frieren knows about Fern, but Frieren deflects, revealing that Heiter had told her every single one of Fern’s preferences. Frieren believes that Heiter had wanted her to take a role of a parent for Fern and adds that she had been initially unsuccessful in finding anything that Fern would have liked. Stark assures Frieren that she has been a good parent since she still clearly remembers despite being unsuccessful. In reaction to Stark’s compliment, Frieren happily reduces the count to one to which Stark shows confused gratitude.

The next morning, Fern asks Frieren to choose between two outfits. Frieren, still sleepy, casually claims the outfits are the same and requests Fern to tie her hair before she leaves. In response, Fern braids Frieren’s hair angrily. Afterwards, Fern and Stark proceed with their date, and Frieren, once again in the hot springs, receives compliments from an older lady for her braided hair.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Frieren
 * Fern
 * Stark
 * Himmel
 * Heiter
 * Eisen

Locations

 * Fortified City of Heiß

Events

 * Stark asks Fern out on a date, which she accepts
 * Frieren shows Stark spots Fern would like
 * Stark and Fern set out on their date

Chapter Notes

 * Fern has certain ways of braiding Frieren's hair that are dependent on her emotions