It Would Be Embarrassing When We Met Again ｢また会ったときに恥ずかしいからね,Mata atta toki ni hazukashii kara ne?｣ is the twenty-eighth and final episode of the Frieren: Beyond Journey's End anime series, released on March 22, 2024. It is the twelfth and last episode of the second cour of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 1.
As the first-class mage exam concludes and the test-takers go their separate ways, farewell leads to departure - but the next stage of Frieren's journey has only just begun.[1]
The next examinee to approach Serie is Denken. Serie acknowledges him and his position of an Imperial Mage, and he calmly responds by expressing his honor. Serie mentions that she often hears about Denken, who started out as a military mage and is now considered the most authoritative mage of the Northern Lands. Serie confesses that she had hoped to meet a younger, more ambitious Denken, but she has lost interest in the aged mage he has become. Serie retracts her previous statement when she realizes that Denken had envisioned fighting her at first glance, though Denken admits that he resigned from that idea in an instant. Satisfied, Serie decides to pass Denken as she explains that most people wouldn’t even dare to think of fighting her.
Übel is the next candidate to be interviewed. Serie only turns halfway in the direction of the examinee and seemingly is aware of Übel's abilities because she instantly passes her. Übel remarks that she hasn't spoken a word yet, to which Serie rhetorically asks if there is a need. Übel confirms that there is none and Serie calls for the next test-taker to enter.
After Übel takes her leave, Land is the next to stand before Serie. An unamused Serie tells Land to not joke around as she calls him a fool who has not taken one step into the examination grounds. Land reveals a second clone standing at the entrance to Serie's botanical garden, who claims that he is the real flesh-and-blood one since he is required to be on the examination grounds to be considered a participant and doesn't want to be disqualified. Seeing through his bluff, Serie corrects him and she points out that Land’s real body has never left his home village. While a zoom-out and then zoom-in happens, to where Land enjoying a cup of tea, Serie describes the activity he is doing at this moment to his clone in the botanical garden. Land's body straightens as he voices his surprise with the cup of tea in his hand and his clone near the door notes that even Übel hadn't noticed. Serie is impressed with his audacity and she passes Land.
Wirbel, Captain of the Northern Magic Corps, is the next examinee, who Serie considers to be the greatest combatant among all of the second-class mages. Serie observes that Wirbel realized that she was an unbeatable enemy at first glance, but not out of fear. Wirbel explains that only a fool would pick an unwinnable battle like that and wouldn't even make it to second-class, which Serie agrees with. Serie asks what kind of magic Wirbel likes and the latter responds that magic is a tool used to kill with none to like or hate. This response delights Serie and allows Wirbel to pass the exam.
The last examinee to be interviewed by Serie is Methode, who stands stock-still before her and stares intently at Serie. Serie asks Methode what she thought while looking at the elf, and Methode replies bashfully that she thought Serie was small and very cute. With a short pause, Serie asks generalizing what is wrong with this year's test-takers. Serie then passes Methode.
After the conclusion of Serie's interviews, she leaves the botanical garden and is joined by Sense who waited outside. Serie offers her apologies as the elf states her satisfaction with the abundance of passing candidates. Meanwhile, in the lobby of the building complex, some of the examinees gathered. While Wirbel consoles the dejected Scharf and Ehre who sit on a bench by saying that there is always a next time, Land heads straight to the exit of the building and comments to Übel who follows him to not do so. Kanne sits lonely and crestfallen on another bench and contemplates the next exam in three years' time.
In the meantime outside, Frieren congratulates Fern for passing and pats her head. Denken moving down the steps notices the duo and calls out to Frieren. He thanks both for allowing him to get closer to his goals, as he now plans to return to his hometown and visit his wife's grave. Frieren responds with a smile.
Later Fern and Stark are in the Sun Bakery shop. Stark asks whether Fern is still deciding on which pastry to choose. When Fern eventually selects a basket of pastries, she looks up to see Laufen pointing at the same basket, with Denken standing at the entrance behind them. This prompts Denken to treat all of them at this chance get-together.
Outside at a table, Denken encourages the others to enjoy the pastries and not worry about him, mentioning that he rarely had the chance to savor sweet treats when he was young. While Fern thanks Denken, Stark asks himself quietly what is going on. Denken hands the puzzled Stark a plate of the pastries, and Stark casually thanks him before he leans over to Fern and inquires in a whisper tone about the identity of the older gentleman. Fern introduces Denken as an Imperial Mage, causing Stark to startle and realize that Denken has the status of a nobleman. He promptly apologizes for his informal language. However, Denken dismisses the apology and explains that he arrived in the town as a mage, not as a noble.
Stark mentions that he is an unrelated party for Denken to treat, and Denken responds by saying that he has no other use for his money. Fern and Stark express doubt that there's nothing else, citing grandchildren as an example. Denken explains that he has no offspring, as his wife passed away when he was only in his mid-twenties, mentioning that she had always been in poor health. He goes on to reveal that she was a noble's daughter from a remote region in the Northern Plateau, which was in the midst of political strife, and that he was desperate for wealth and influence to save his wife. He recalls during it, him sitting at the bedside holding his sickly wife's hand. Denken further adds that he had never felt so helpless as when Serie established the Continental Magic Association and advertised its special privilege shortly after his wife's death. He reflects on the irony of the situation, considering that he was now influential enough to command a country.
Denken addresses Fern and tells her that for the longest time, magic had been a tool to resolve conflict for him. He asks Fern to convey to Frieren that, for once in a long time, he was reminded of how enjoyable magic can be. With a smile, Fern encourages Denken to tell Frieren herself and assures him that she would be pleased to hear it. Denken agrees and plans to do just that.
In another part of the city on a plaza, Frieren with a stack of books walks towards it by herself and content with her purchase of grimoires, the elf remarks that she expected nothing less from the Magical Town of Äußerst. An elderly woman accidentally drops a basket of fruits not far away from Frieren, who watches on. Wirbel calls out to the woman and uses magic to help gather the scattered fruits back into the basket. Afterward, he walks up to Frieren, who sat down on a bench and began reading in a grimoire. Wirbel sits down too and asks Frieren, that he would not ignore a situation like that, and Frieren admits that she was briefly concerned. Wirbel expresses mild surprise, mentioning that she was a comrade in Himmel's party. Frieren bluntly asks Wirbel to clarify what he means and adds that she should be the one surprised. She tells Wirbel that she's heard Fern's complaints about how he attempted to kill Fern and her team during the first stage of the exam, and that Fern described him as someone who would kick the hell out of a dog. Wirbel smiles, seemingly unfazed he notes to hear this often about him, and explains that he was simply making threats. However, as he recalls him approaching Übel back in the clash when he had her bound to the ground with Sorganeil, he implies that there's one person in the world whose death would make the world a better place.
He reveals to protect his hometown, that the special privilege of being granted any magic he desires was his primary motivation for becoming a first-class mage, believing that the more powerful his magic, the more demons he can defeat. Wirbel emphasizes that he'll always lend a hand when possible, even if it doesn't directly relate to his goal. Frieren questions why, and Wirbel is slightly taken aback but continues to speak.
Wirbel explains that his hometown is at the Northern Frontier, and he has heard many stories about Himmel there remembering a statue of the hero. He continues describing Himmel's feats the conquest of the Thousand Mirror Tower, the battle with Immortal Böse and the Seven Sages of Destruction, and encounters with the Hell Emperor Dragon, while Wirbel remembers seeing depictions to the stories in a book. Wirbel explains that when he was a kid, he enjoyed reading stories of said exploits and recalls him viewing the pages of a book together with his childhood crush. However, the elderly in the village nearly never spoke about these heroic feats, but instead would tell the young Wirbel about seemingly bland actions such as eliminating monsters around villages, escorting merchants and helping carry around goods like a porter. Despite this, a young Wirbel observed that the elderly would always talk of these accounts from the bottom of their heart. During telling it, he remembers demons, that attacked his village after Himmel’s death, Wirbel adds that he finally understood, that the epic tales of the Hero Party and even the Demon King were irrelevant to his village. He recalls seeing the storybook lying in the ruins of his home and remarks that everyone had their hands full just maintaining their daily life. Wirbel asserts his belief that if Himmel the hero had not come to his village, it would not exist even if the world became peaceful.
Frieren continues to listen and asks Wirbel what he is trying to say. Wirbel declares that the small stories about Himmel were what guided him before taking his leave, adding that he had taken too long with telling his own story as Ehre and Scharf are seen waiting. Taking some steps towards his comrades he stops and turns back to Frieren, and he urges her to treasure the people that she meets as final farewells do not always happen because of death before surmising that Frieren is probably all too aware of the same.
While Wirbel actually leaves a short flashback begins as the Hero Party is provided help to a stranger. All of them hold goods and they stand in front of a seemingly endless herd of sheep passing by. Heiter asked Frieren if she could magically get them across and she replied that she'd be left all alone on the side they were currently standing on. Eisen turned to Himmel and urged him, that they needed to defeat the Demon King and asked what the point of such trivial assistance was. To Frieren's surprise, Himmel agreed that their help was truly trivial and wouldn't make a change in the grand scheme of things, but he had no intentions of forsaking anyone who required his help. As the flashback ends, Frieren looks towards the sky and says that Himmel has not to worry and remarks with a smile that the world has changed.
Later in a room at the Swallow Inn where Frieren's Party stayed the last days, Fern explains that the special privilege conferment will be occurring on the same night. She notes that since the mages may bring companions, Stark and Frieren should come along with her. Looking at Frieren, Fern continues to say to herself that Frieren is making an extremely reluctant face about the idea.
At sunset, a dejected Frieren looks on as Fern informs the Receptionist at the Continental Magic Association that she was told she could bring companions. The receptionist apologizes and states that Serie has decreed that Frieren is to be forbidden entry into any Continental Magic Association facilities for the next millennium. Fern is displeased and wonders what Frieren did, as Frieren explains that Serie took offense during the interview with what she said, adding that Serie behaves like a child. Frieren says she will wait outside, adding that it is not like she wanted to attend the ceremony in the first place. Stark takes a look at Fern and tells her that he will accompany Frieren outside, causing Fern to smile as the two leave through the main entrance.
Waiting in front of the building complex, the evening bell rings, and Stark remarks that they should be done receiving their privileges soon. Frieren reflects on Fern's achievements and brings out her Holy Emblem, adding that not even fifty mages have reached the status of first-class. Dangling the pendant in front of her face, Frieren says that Fern will probably become a more famous mage than her, and Stark shares Frieren's happiness about it.
Lernen approaches and calls out to Frieren. Stark asks who he is and Frieren supposes that he must be a member of the Continental Magic Association. Lernen introduces himself as a first-class mage and one of Serie's apprentices. Lernen apologizes that Serie must have caused trouble for Frieren, but Frieren brushes it off as Serie has been always like that. Both mages stare at each other and Stark asks Frieren, what is going on. Frieren notices that Lernen can see the instability in her mana, adding that he is incredibly skilled and unsuited for a peaceful era. Lernen agrees, stating that he is old-fashioned and only knows how to battle. Lernen explains that Serie has often told him that he would have made a mark in history if he had been born during the era of war against Demon King's forces. Frieren asks what that has to do with her.
Lernen states that the only apprentice of Serie who has made a mark on history is her first one, the Great Mage Flamme, who seems like a fairy tale when spoken about her. Lernen believes that another living proof of Serie will disappear once he dies of old age and that he does not wish such desolation for his master. To this end, he says that he will bear the notoriety of killing the legendary Frieren and casts offensive spells at Frieren. Frieren casts a defensive spell which shatters but is able to evade it using flying magic and lands in a distance. Unable to stop the full force of Lernen's magic on blast hits Frieren's shoulder. Lernen then stops and asks Frieren to duel while Stark who was taken aback by what just happened moves in between the two mages. Frieren rejects Lernen's challenge, remarking that it would be a waste of time. She states that tactless mages who only know how to battle can be awkward and explains that there is no need for him to leave a mark in history because Serie will remember him.
A flashback starts in the botanical garden and Frieren states magic that produces a field of flowers was used to conjure them, the very same magic that Flamme enjoyed despite Serie decrying it as useless. Serie stared at the flowers before frankly explaining that Flamme was a failure who could not reach Serie's height despite her talents. After Flamme, Serie took on more students, but most died before reaching Serie's level. Serie remarked that it was strange that despite taking on all of her students on a whim, she could vividly remember their personalities and favorite spells. Serie asserted that she had not once regretted taking on disciples even if they failed to leave a mark on history.
The flashback cuts back to Frieren walking past Lernen and telling the old first-class mage that Serie is childlike as she is not capable of honestly expressing her feelings with her apprentices. Shortly after, Fern approaches Frieren and tells her that she received her privilege. As they leave, Fern asks Frieren why she has a damaged shoulder, and Frieren not explaining anything just remarks that she will need to get it healed at the church. Lernen looks after the trio, then at his staff and remarks to himself that he and Serie are awkward.
The next day at some place in the middle of Äußerst, some kids want to know from Strak what they will do today, but he excuses himself that he can't play today. A porter with a barrel asks Stark if he had breakfast and he confirms it. A lady at a beverage stand offers Stark to have a drink and the young man replies with a thanks. At last old man who was there when Stark meditated bids farewell with the words that the path of the warrior is long and treacherous and Stark should take care to which he agrees. Frieren comments that is it time to say goodbye to Äußerst as they walk through the gate onto the bridge. Stark waves back to the townsfolk and Fern notes that people love him wherever he goes.
Out of curiosity, Frieren asks Fern what spell she got at the ceremony yesterday, and Fern stops, spreads her arms and makes a full spin, asking if Frieren can't notice it. Frieren examines Fern's clean clothing and says the garment smells vaguely floral, but before she can answer, Fern proudly says it is a spell to make clothes clean and spotless. A smug Fern adds that this spell will make laundry much easier. Frieren remarks that Serie is truly a living grimoire as this is a spell of legendary level from the mythical era. Frieren then pats Fern on the head and praises her with the comment that she is her student. Fern, with a smile, confirms and recalls that Serie looked incredibly dissatisfied when handing over the spell in the form of a grimoire noting that she is insane. Frieren says that it serves her right and the trio moves on.
The three then meet with Kanne and Lawine who waited on the bridge to give their thanks to Frieren despite having failed the exam and will try again in three years. Lawine adds that it had been fun, and Kanne tells Frieren to stay healthy. The two groups then bid their farewell.
Leaving Äußerst, Fern notes that Frieren, just like with Sein, seems to bid farewell really easily and Stark adds that it was the same with Kraft. A short flashback begins to a time when the Hero Party bid farewell to someone they had been traveling with for two weeks. Frieren similarly noted that Himmel seemed to bid farewell easily. Eisen remarked that it didn't suit someone like Himmel as they had spent a lot of time with the other person. Heiter noted that they practically drank every night together and Frieren remarked on his corruptness as a priest. Himmel laughed, agreed and responded that he was sure: "They will be able to meet again," if they just continued their journey and explained that a tearful farewell would only make a reunion awkward, because, after all, he said: "It would be embarrassing when we met again."
A brief compilation shows the beginning of Frieren's new journey starting with the Royal Capital, the graveyard where Heiter is buried, Eisen seemingly praying over his family's graves, Flamme's dwelling with the thousand year old tree, Kanne and Lawine pondering over the bridge connecting Äußerst with the mainland, Ehre introducing Wirbel and Scharf to her grandfather Lernen, Denken, Laufen and Richter having yet another meal together; Methode, Länge, and Ton leaving by carriage; Übel walking alone, Kraft walking by some playful kids, Sein having a smoke on a beach and a field of flowers around the Flamme's gravestone. The compilation then cuts back to Fern asking what the statement means after Frieren, who with a smile reiterated before: "It would be embarrassing when we met again."
Frieren's yawn is an anime original which is a call back to the Episode 1 when she yawned waiting for Himmel to get ready.
During the conversation between Denken and Serie the manga doesn't depict her seated and the anime adds an artificial pond where the elf puts her feet in. The only time Serie is shown seated down on her knees is when she passes Übel, all subsequent candidates she faces standing.
When Land reveals his clone, it doesn't stand in front of the door, which leads into the Continental Magic Association Northern Branch building complex like in the anime, but the doppelganger appears on the opposite side of the botanical garden through a door leading to the outside.
When Land is revealed to not be present at all, but in his home village the manga only depicts a zoom-in on him enjoying tea and the anime adds the zoom-out.
The name: "Sun Bakery" for the pastry shop Fern, Stark, Denken and Laufen visit in Äußerst is anime original.
Before Stark thinks about what is going on, Fern's thanks for the invitation is added.
In the manga Stark sits right next to Denken and not across the table from him. In the source material Fern occupies the position Stark has in the anime.
In the flashback to Denken's late wife, Lektüre, her appearance is visible in the manga.
In the imagination of Serie giving out privileges the manga depicts at least one first-classmage who later on is present in the The Golden Land Arc.
When Denken says he could order entire nations around, he has a flashback of him standing next to The Emperor in the manga, which the anime doesn't adapt.
The anime doesn't adapt a flashback Frieren has in the manga depicting Fern complaining to her master about Wirbel, when she mentions it to him.
In Wirbel's flashback a statue of Himmel was added to his home town.
Wirbel's recall seeing the storybook lying in the ruins of his home is anime original.
Frieren's flashback after the conversation with Wirbel, shows a flock of sheep passing, delaying their aid to the merchant, which is anime original and the conversation around Eisen asking if Frieren can't bring them across with magic is added.
When Frieren and Stark wait outside of the building complex, the manga depicts them to be in the city where still some hustle and bustle is going on, while Lernen approaches the two.
After Lernen shoots at Frieren, Stark is not depicted standing between the two mages in the manga.
The lines Frieren says, that Serie is incapable of telling her students her true feelings and calls her a child for it the anime arranges after the flashback of the conversation between the two in the botanical garden, but it comes before the recollection in the manga.
The anime adds different characters who Stark says good bye to, when Frieren's Party is about to leave Äußerst, but in the manga only the the old man actually talks to the warrior.
When Fern comments that Frieren bids rather short farewells as she did with Kanne and Lawine on the bridge, Stark saying: "And Kraft" is added by the anime.
In the flashback that shows why Himmel also bid short farewells, Heiter saying: "And we drank with him practically every night," and Frieren calling him a "Corrupt priest." is added by the anime.
The montage that shows different scenes during the credits in the anime adds additional scenes:
The view of the Royal Capital with the graveyard outside where Himmel is buried.
