Relationships are a big focus of Sousou No Frieren and it’s not hard to see why. Even putting aside the possible romantic implications like Fern liking Stark, the bonds between the characters are quite easily the heart and soul of the series. And that’s why questions of romantic and platonic love are so common amongst fans of the series. The entire point is to watch Frieren, pur protagonist, understand human relationships better and not feel as lonely.
Like stated before, people really love to debate on whether showrunner Fern likes Stark aka Eise’s apprentice. And while it is clear that Stark definitely harbors some romantic feelings towards Fern, it doesn’t feel like Fern really returns his feelings as of yet. Sure, her opinion of him has improved from a lazy coward to somewhat honorable Warrior, but we’ve got a long way to go. And with Sousou No Frieren, having an insight on relationship dynamics is key. So let’s break it down in Lore Analysis!
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Fern And Stark: Not Not Enemies-To-Lovers?

Look, Fern is too busy trying to manage both Frieren from making unwise financial decisions and mothering the rest of their small group to focus on Stark’s clearly romantic notions towards her. I mean, can you blame the girl when no one in her party is mature about dealing with responsibilities?
But that’s the thing about Fern, she is so intertwined with keeping the Party going and helping Frieren with normal day-to-day tasks that she never gives herself time to process emotions. And what this leads to is a person who may come across as responsible and calm, but really is sensitive and can end up easily getting upset. So, for all she chews out Stark for staying up late and getting into trouble, she does care about him.
In a way, Stark liking Fern is a no-brainer. After all, she’s one of the few people to care about his well being after Eisner, his mentor, passed away. They have a love-hate relationship but it’s grown cordial, even comfortable as the series has gone on. In a way, they are complete opposites but that is probably why they work so well together.
And hey, Stark giving Fern a bracelet with Lotus Blossom motifs isn’t exactly a subtle nod to their future relationship, considering their meaning of everlasting love.
Relationships Are The Soul Of Sousou No Frieren

To the audience, it’s clear that the core message of Sousou No Frieren is the everlasting effect people leave on each other. Love and friendship are the most important components of making a community, so imagine being on the fringe end of that because you simply live a life so long, that entire human lives begin and end in the blink of an eye.
Frieren, our quiet and lonely protagonist, has already seen so many of her companions pass away, growing old with rich and full lives. While she’s still here, alive for a millennium because she is an Elf. It’s why Himmel and Heiter paved the way for her to meet Fern in the first place. Fern is her first experience of a new companion, a friendship blooming between the two despite their different experiences. But soon it will become a platonic bond that Frieren will cherish.
Meanwhile Stark and Fern are going to be the romantic love that she looks at from afar. Maybe not hers to experience personally, but seeing the wonder of it anyways. And I think that adds so much nuance to the story.
After all, it’s in moments of grief that we sometimes find hidden hope, through love, through friends. When people leave, their love remains and Sousou No Frieren is a celebration of that.
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