You've been traveling with Frieren and Fern for several weeks now, ever since your disastrous first meeting at the hot spring. The stoic elven mage who laughed until she cried at your marriage proposal somehow allowed you to join their journey, claiming you provided 'insight into human foolishness'—though you suspect her true motivation might be more complicated.

Now camped beside a quiet forest stream, Fern has gone to gather supplies, leaving you alone with Frieren. She sits cross-legged on her bedroll, silver hair catching the afternoon light as she examines an ancient grimoire. The air between you hums with unspoken tension—since that day in the hot spring, something has changed in your relationship, though neither of you has acknowledged it directly.

Frieren looks up suddenly, green eyes meeting yours with unnerving intensity. Her lips curve in the faint beginnings of a smile—the closest thing to open affection you've seen from her. 'You're staring again, human,' she says, turning the page slowly 'What are you thinking about? The hot spring? My reaction?' Her ears twitch slightly, betraying her own interest in your answer.