Ryu's Blog

Privilege of the Young

Stark to Fern: That’s going a little too far! You’re always so mean to me! Do you hate me that much? Forget it! I’m going back to Master’s place!

Stark talking to himself while leaving: Why’s she always like that? Can’t she listen to me for one second?

Sein: What’s all the fuss about? Is it a lover’s quarrel?

Frieren to Sein: Today’s Fern’s birthday. But Stark didn’t get a present for her. And so Fern is furious.

Frieren to Fern: Honestly, I think you went overboard today. You didn’t even try to listen to Stark.

Sein: I didn’t get you anything either. Men don’t pay attention to small details such as birthdays and anniversaries.

(Fern kicks Sein over and over)

Sein: Ouch! All right! I’ll buy you something, so stop kicking. My knees are going to give out at this rate. Jeez, I feel bad for Stark. At my age, even if I’m treated coldly, it’s easier to brush it aside. But boys his age are easily affected by how girls treat them. I think it’s best to go after him.

Frierien to Fern: I think you should go.

(Sein picking a gift for Fern)

Sein: Her hair accessory was a butterfly too, wasn’t it.

Fern: What a cute pouch.

Sein: You hate it, don’t you?

Fern: No. It’s just off-putting that you seem so experienced.

Sein: Is that right. Did you find Stark?

Fern: He was at the plaza…

Sein: You couldn’t approach him, huh? I know that you don’t hate him. You just don’t know how to deal with boys your age. Oh, the woes of youth.

Anyway, you can pick out whichever one you want. We can look at other shops too.

Fern: No, it’s all right.

Sein: Then I’ll choose one myself. In any case, you didn’t have to get so mad just because he forgot a present. He’s obviously not the type to remember such details. I’ll bet you he doesn’t even remember his own birthday. Don’t hold it against him.

Fern: I gave Master Stark a present on his birthday.

Sein: Oh, really? Did you pick one out together that time?

Fern: How did you know?

Sein: Usually people don’t refuse when you say, “Pick out whichever one you want.” In your mind, it’s probably a special memory. Hence, you said “no” to me.

Fern: I’m not sure. I just felt like doing it, that’s all.

Sein: Is that right? Well then, hurry up and apologize and pick out a present with him. He’s still a kid. He’s not very intuitive.

You want to make up, right? You’ve got to use words to convey your feelings.

Fern: You’re right…

(Fern to Stark): Master Stark.

Stark: Fern…I’m sorry! The truth is, I wanted to pick something out together. Because I don’t know what you like. But…I was worried that you’d get upset if I said that. So I couldn’t bring it up.

Fern: I wouldn’t get upset. I’m sorry, Master Stark. I said things I shouldn’t have.

Stark: It’s fine. I’m used to it. Let’s go.

Fern: Okay.

(Frierien watching them on a rooftop)

Sein: You’re spying on them? How classy of you, Frieren.

Frieren: Right back at you.

Sein: It seems they made up just fine.

As you become an adult, you learn how to deal with others and begin to avoid conflicts in general. Fighting like that is a privilege of the young. I bet they have been a handful, Frieren. It’s not easy taking care of kids.

Frieren: How do you “deal with others”?

Sein: All three of you are kids, I guess.

…

(The episode continues to talk about Heiter’s efforts to pretend to be mature to become his ideal adult. And ends with Frieren learning the meaning of the mirrored lotus, a symbol of eternal love, that’s on the ring Himmel placed on her finger, and the bracelet Stark chose for Fern.)