Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle (魔王城でおやすみ)

Once, in times when humans and demons mingled and coexisted,

a human princess was abducted by the demon king and imprisoned in his Demon Castle.

The only one who could save her was the hero.

However, the hero's journey was fraught with danger,

and he engaged in countless seesaw battles with demons.

While the demons, who waited in anticipation, let their guards down.

They never suspected that someone would steal from them.

Demon King!

What is it?

The princess is gone from her cell again.

Again? What's she making this time?

Something's wrong. I can't find her anywhere in the castle.

She's not in the forest nor at the lake!

What?!

A letter?

"I've stolen your human princess"?!

What the--?!

"Seventh Night"

"Even More Sleepless Princess of the Castle"

"Former Demon Castle"

Where am I?

So you've awoken, O trembling princess.

"Hades"

So you've awoken, O trembling princess.

The princess was abducted?!

Keep your voice down! There will be chaos if it's made public.

O-Oh, right. But who did it?

This looks like Hades' handwriting.

"Hades' Younger Brother"

Bro?

He's an insurgent who has the strength and ruthlessness of the top ten.

I don't want to be involved.

Hey, wait, Poseidon!

Leave him be.

As you wish.

Well, what does Hades want?

Right... "To the greenhorn Twilight who only became the demon king due to pedigree,

As you twiddle your thumbs, I will mount a counterattack at the hero

and become the true demon king! Just you wait."

That impertinent Hades. He thinks he can seize your throne?

Twilight's castle defenses are so vulnerable compared to this castle.

This is the last place you'll ever be imprisoned.

You'll never set foot beyond these walls again.

Seems I've left you speechless. How I must terrify you, Princess.

Tremble in fear as you await your hero!

There's nothing to do other than sleep.

Seems I switched prisons in my sleep.

But look at the state of this place.

I wish he were a bit more considerate of my needs.

Fortunately, this castle's quieter than the other one.

I'll think more on this after a nap...

What a dismally cheap pillow!

Yet again. Must I do this yet again?

Is a good night's rest that hard to come by?

Then... I'll have to make it myself!

"Quest"

"Refashion Pillow"

Hey, human princess!

We're Hades' number one underlings!

--Ker! --Ber! --Ros!

We heard about a new prisoner, so we came to laugh at your miserable face.

Say...

R-Run!

Where can I find materials for a pillow?

"Meanwhile, at the Demon Castle"

"Meanwhile, at the Demon Castle"

Demon King, what is your plan?

Connect me to the Former Demon Castle!

At once!

Look who it is, the former demon king.

How dare--

Hades! Return our prisoner!

You mean that quivering princess?

If you want her back, it's only proper for you to come here and steal her back.

So sheltered. Clueless, even about your situation.

What's wrong? Has frustration rendered you speechless?

Huh? Uh, well...

Where'd your boldness go?

--I-Is she really... --You look pathetic.

Will she do it?!

What are you all shouting for--

I-It's nothing! Just felt like it suddenly!

Right? Right?

That's right! I felt a sudden urge to shout!

My shoulders are in knots!

My shoulders knotted up, too!

Stop this fooling around!

"Won't come off"

This is bad! The fur she's ripping is circular!

What can we do?!

O-Oh, no! Hades, above you! There's something above you!

--Say what?! --You must levitate to get it!

Oh!

Good thinking, Alraune!

Above?

Princess! Now's your chance!

All right!

Yeah!

"Demons' excitement on par with a successful rocket launch"

--She did it! --Thanks!

Hey.

There was nothing up there.

What?

Nothing!

Nothing whatsoever!

I have acquired materials for a peaceful slumber!

First, I'll wrap the fur I tore off around this dismal pillow

to give it structure.

Then, I'll wrap it with the cloth that was attached to the fur.

And as a princess, I must add these cute bows as a finishing touch.

It's done! Refashioning Gives Hope to the Hopeless Pillow!

"Quest Complete"

Well done!

I don't know where I am, but I must be tired from the journey.

For now, I'll sleep on this blissful pillow.

Zzz...

The Demon Castle's rather quiet today.

Yeah.

When did this happen?!

"Ker, Ber, Ros"

Sleepy Princess in the (former) Demon Castle !

This new castle is quiet.

Comes with three meals a day with large meat portions.

But this room is an absolute dump.

I slept last night thanks to my refashioned pillow,

but that was a temporary measure.

Which means I have to make this, too!

"Quest"

"Bed for Peaceful Slumber"

Why are the traps so numerous?

"Spikes!!"

"Axes!!"

"Fireballs!!"

Have they no concern for ordinary living space?!

"Former Demon Castle"

I-Is that the prisoner walking about?!

Yeah, right.

It can't only be me. The demons must have a hard time sleeping here, too.

Zzz...

He's sleeping so peacefully despite the craggy ground and flames below.

Just who is he?

But I'd have to disturb his slumber to find out, which I couldn't do...

"Wake me when the bell rings"

I was wondering who woke me.

I didn't expect you, our captive princess.

"Hypnos"

I'm called Hypnos.

H-Hypnos?!

Though, I don't have the ability to put people to sleep.

I'm more like the embodiment of drowsiness.

I'll perish without at least 20 hours of sleep a day,

so I research methods on how to sleep anywhere.

O-Oh, my!

He's a... pro sleeper!

"Pro"

For example, why am I sleeping in a place like this?

Oh, you wouldn't be interested--

Continue.

Huh?

Continue, Master Hypnos!

Master Hypnos, huh?

It's simple. This is the only area on this floor fireballs don't pass through.

"Out of range"

I see.

It's a thank you for waking me.

Plus, I'll tell you something extra special.

Hey!

Hm?

Was the princess really abducted last night?