The Story
Once upon a time, a wealthy merchant had three daughters. The two eldest were proud and vain, but the youngest — whom everyone called Beauty — was kind, gentle, and loved to read.
When the merchant lost his fortune, the family moved to a small cottage. One day he set off on a journey and asked his daughters what gifts they wished for. The eldest asked for jewels, the second for fine dresses, but Beauty asked only for a single rose.
On his return, the merchant got lost in a dark forest. He stumbled upon a magnificent castle, lit and warm, where invisible servants brought him food and a bed. In the morning, he spotted a rose garden and plucked a rose for Beauty.
At once, a terrible Beast appeared, roaring with fury. "I have sheltered you and fed you — and you steal from me? You shall pay with your life!" The merchant begged, explaining the rose was for his daughter. "Very well," said the Beast. "You may go — but send your daughter to live here willingly, or return yourself to die."
Beauty refused to let her father suffer. She came to the castle herself. Though she was afraid at first, the Beast treated her with unexpected gentleness. They dined together each evening and talked for hours. Over time, Beauty grew to look forward to their conversations.
Each night the Beast asked her: "Beauty, will you marry me?" Each night she gently refused.
One day Beauty learned her father was ill and begged to visit him. The Beast let her go, but warned her to return within a week. Her jealous sisters convinced her to stay longer — and when she finally rushed back to the castle, she found the Beast lying still in the garden, dying of a broken heart.
"Please don't die," Beauty wept, taking his great paw. "I have only just realized — I love you."
At those words, the Beast transformed into a handsome prince. A wicked enchantress had cursed him, and only a love freely given could break the spell.
They were married, and Beauty's father and kind sister came to live at the palace — and they all lived happily ever after.