Hime-sama “Goumon” no Jikan desu [Season 1 Episode 13]

Alright, let’s dive into the first season finale of ‘Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess—Episode 13, where the Princess’s captivity takes a wild turn. If you’ve been following this anime, you know it’s all about subverting expectations: instead of actual torture, the Hellhorde uses food to break her resolve. And let me tell you, this episode does not disappoint.

First off, let’s recap the setup. The Princess, leader of the Imperial Army’s Third Legion, is captured by the Hellhorde despite wielding Excalibur. But instead of dungeons and pain, she’s stuck in a cozy cell with the Demon Lord’s daughter, Aloe, who’s more interested in making her try fluffy toast and steaming ramen than extracting secrets. It’s a hilarious twist on the “princess in distress” trope, and Episode 13 cranks that up to 11.

The episode starts with the Princess still refusing to spill the beans about the Imperial Army’s plans. But Aloe has a new weapon: xiaolongbao. Yes, those juicy Chinese dumplings. Fans on MyAnimeList went nuts over this—one user even joked, “Xiaolong Bao look like delicious,” and honestly, same. The animation makes them look so good, you’ll probably crave some mid-episode. Aloe’s logic? If the Princess loves the dumplings, she’ll let her guard down. Spoiler: It works… kind of. The Princess admits they’re tasty, but still won’t talk. Classic stubborn royal move.

What’s really fun here is the banter between the Princess and Aloe. Their dynamic is like a sibling rivalry—Aloe is determined to “torture” her with food, and the Princess is equally determined to resist, even if she’s low-key enjoying the snacks. The Demon Lord himself makes an appearance too, and he’s… not what you’d expect. Instead of a fearsome ruler, he’s a bumbling dad who’s more proud of his daughter’s “interrogation” skills than conquering the world. One fan pointed out, “The Demon Lord isn’t even using the necessary information during the rare occasions he receives them, and blames the interrogator for not being able to obtain any useful information.” It’s a perfect example of the show’s dark humor—taking a serious war and turning it into a family comedy.

The animation in this episode is top-notch. The food looks so realistic, you can almost smell the ramen broth. The character designs are cute but expressive—Aloe’s wide eyes and the Princess’s eye-rolls add so much personality. The background music is light and playful, which fits the tone perfectly. It never feels like a war anime; it’s more like a slice-of-life with demons.

But here’s the thing: under all the humor, there’s a hint of depth. The Princess’s line, “If taking responsibility for a mistake that cannot be undone means death, it’s not that hard to die. At least, not as hard as to live on,” hits differently. It shows she’s not just a stubborn princess—she’s a leader who carries the weight of her army’s failures. Fans on forums picked up on this, with one user saying, “That line really stuck with me. It adds a layer to her character I didn’t expect.”

The ending of Episode 13 is a cliffhanger. The Princess finally cracks and shares a small secret, but it’s not what the Hellhorde wanted. Instead, she tells them about a hidden stash of snacks in the Imperial Army’s base. Aloe is ecstatic, but the Demon Lord is facepalming. It’s a classic Torture Princess move—turning a serious moment into a joke. Fans loved it, with one commenter writing, “This show never takes itself too seriously, and that’s why I love it.”

Overall, Episode 13 is a perfect finale for Season 1. It balances humor, heart, and just enough tension to make you want more. The food gags are on point, the characters are lovable, and the animation is a feast for the eyes (pun intended). If you’re into quirky comedies with a side of chaos, this episode is a must-watch.

So, what’s next for the Princess? Will she ever escape? Or will she become Aloe’s permanent taste tester? We’ll have to wait for Season 2, but one thing’s for sure—‘Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess has carved out a unique spot in the anime world, and Episode 13 proves it’s here to stay.

Final verdict: 9/10. The only downside? Now I’m craving xiaolongbao. Thanks, Aloe.

P.S. If you haven’t watched it yet, go binge the first season. You won’t regret it—unless you’re on a diet. Then maybe skip the food scenes. 😉