Chapter 35

Chance to Journey (ちのきっかけ) is the thirty-fifth chapter of Yamada Kanehito & Abe Tsukasa's Sousou no Frieren.

Summary
Right after the events of the last chapter, Frieren's Party is on the Rohr Road. They are discussing Warrior Gorilla's whereabouts, which are likely in the opposite direction from Äußerst. Finding Warrior Gorilla was Sein's reason for going on a journey, so this complicates things. They decide to put off the decision of what Sein will do until tomorrow, and they then go to the cabin Stark rented. While getting supplies, Fern notes that her hands are chilly, Frieren says it's because it's gotten colder lately. They attempt to continue their journey the next day, but a cold wave stops them, which will last for about a month. So they will have to stay in the village for a bit longer. Around the end of the cold wave, Frieren calls on Sein to mediate between Fern and Stark again, which leads to Stark apologizing to Fern. Afterward, Frieren and Sein are having a drink in a Tavern, which leads to Sein asking Frieren why he was so concerned about him, telling him to go on a journey with them. Frieren tells him it's because he reminded her of her old self before she subjugated the Demon King. She also said it's what Himmel would have done, saying that them giving her a chance have her the courage to travel and understand how fun it is to travel with comrades. Sein agrees, that it was fun. Afterward, when the cold wave is over, Frieren's Party departs for their journey. Although it is without Sein, who has chosen to pursue Warrior Gorilla. The now separate parties continue their journeys.

Plot Details
Right after the events of last chapter, Frieren's Party are in the Northern Lands, specifically the Rohr Road. They are discussing Warrior Gorilla's whereabouts, which are currently believed to be the opposite of Äußerst, which is their current destination. While deciding on what to do, Sein tells Frieren that finding Warrior Gorilla was the reason he went on this journey. Frieren tells Sein that she knows. Fern tells them that the sun is setting, so they should just make the decision on what to do tomorrow. Afterwards Stark comes back from the village adjacent the Rohr Road and tells them that he has rented a cabin for them to use, so they go there

It's now dark, Fern and Sein have just come back from getting their needed supplies. Fern comments on how cold her hands are, Frieren says it's because it has gotten quite cold now. She holds her hands, and says that they are really chilly. Stark also holds her hands to check, but gets slapped by Fern. While having dinner, Fern and Frieren look outside the window, to see that it is snowing quite heavily. Fern asks Frieren if they will have to pass the winter again, Frieren tells her that as long as there isn't a blizzard, they can go.

The next day, there is a blizzard. The townsfolk inform them that the cold wave currently causing this blizzard will last for about a month. Frieren asks Sein if they should depart, and Sein asks if that is a rhetorical question. They decide to stay until the cold wave passes, Frieren says that it isn't that bad, since there are amenities here, unlike the time they got stuck in the mountain cabin. Frieren also adds that there is a magic shop in the village, which is run by a shady old man so there is likely to be legendary magic there, so she is happy to be able to carefully look through there. Stark asks what legendary magic there has been until now, and Frieren tells him magic like "Stubborn oil stain removal magic". Frieren then repeats that they will have to wait, because they can't underestimate the winters of the Northern Lands. Sein tells her that he knows, since he was born in the North, and that he will be sticking with them for a while longer.

They then spend a month in the village. Near the end of the cold wave, Sein is having a drink with one of the townsfolk. the townsfolk tells him that the cold wave is almost over, so they can depart soon. Which leads Sein to say that they were not together for long. Suddenly, Frieren approaches Sein, asking him to spare a moment. Sein says it's unusual for Frieren to be seen at a bar. Frieren tells Sein that Stark and Fern are acting up again, so she is asking him to mediate between them. Sein asks why, and Frieren tells him it's because mediation is the job of a priest.

They go back to the cabin, to see Stark sobbing and Fern pouting. Sein asks what happened, and Fern tells him that it is all Stark's fault. Stark Agrees. Sein then tells them to go in a room one by one starting with Stark. Sein asks Stark what happened, Stark says that he touched Fern's cheek like she did when they first arrived at the cabin. Sein tells him that no girl would like her face patted like that, and asks him if he wants things to stay like this, Stark says no. Stark says that he wants to reconcile, and Sein is happy with this. He tells Stark that he is a good kid, and to properly reconcile with someone, you have to express your true feelings. He also says that Frieren will not mediate your arguments. Stark decides to apologize to Fern.

Next comes Fern, who tells him that it was her fault to begin with. She tells him that being touched was not the concern, but the arm he used to press down her shoulder was too strong, and she found it a little frightening. Sein asks Fern if she hates Stark. Fern asks why he says that, and if it seems like he hates Stark. Afterwards, he tells her to tell Stark that she was just startled and reconcile. Stark and Fern then reconcile.

Afterwards, Frieren and Sein are having a drink at the tavern. While having a drink, Sein angrily slams his jug on the table, shouting "Just get together already!!!". Frieren tells him that she does not understand what he is talking about, but can see that he has been working very hard. Sein smiles, and says that Frieren is the only one who would praise him like a kid. Frieren tells him that he is one, isn't he? Sein says that it isn't unpleasant to hear and asks why Frieren was so concerned with him, inviting him to this journey. Frieren tells him it's because he reminds her of her older self before she went to subjugate the Demon King. Sein says that is not a reason to be concerned with him, and Frieren tells her that she felt that she wanted to give him a chance, saying that it’s what Hero Himmel would have done. While talking, Frieren remembers a memory where the Hero Party asks her to join them, telling her that they are her chance at travelling. She says to Sein that they have her the confidence to travel, and taught her how fun it was to spend time with comrades. Frieren asks Sein if it was fun, Sein says yes.

The next day, while at a bridge, Sein tells them that he will be pursuing Warrior Gorilla after all, saying that he does not want to bear anymore regrets. They then say goodbyes. While walking alone, Sein notes how quite it is when he travels alone. Stark notes that they are bidding farewell much easier than expected. Frieren tells him that since Sein is an adult, he will be fine. Now seperate parties, they then continue their separate journeys.

Characters in Order of Appearance

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

Locations

 * The Rohr Road and surrounding area

Battles and Events

 * They talk about what to do now, because they found out about Warrior Gorilla’s whereabouts.
 * They stay in the village where they rented a cabin, for a month because of the cold wave.
 * Sein and Frieren's Party say their goodbyes, they are in going at different directions.

Spells

 * (in a flashback) stubborn oil stain removal magic