@animely i know what you mean. They are all kind of successors to the original party members. I am thinking that frieren will end up with the true sword of the hero as well.
Initially I was slightly disappointed that Stark didn't spend the time buying Fern a present during his sulk but the chapter cleared it up by having him communicate with Fern that he genuinely didn't know what to buy for her and so didn't prepare one in fear of offending her/getting a present she wouldn't like.
I really like that. It reinforces how important communicating with people are.