đź“– Page 1: The Merchant and the Rose
Once upon a time, there lived a kind merchant with his three daughters. The youngest daughter was very beautiful and gentle. Everyone called her Beauty. She loved reading books and helping others. Unlike her sisters, she was not proud or selfish.
One day, the merchant had to travel to a distant city for work. Before leaving, he asked his daughters what gifts they wanted.
The elder daughters asked for expensive dresses and jewelry. But Beauty simply smiled and said,
"Father, please bring me a red rose."
On his way back home, the merchant got lost in a dark forest. After walking for a long time, he found a large mysterious castle. The doors were open, but nobody was there.
Hungry and tired, the merchant entered the castle. Inside he found delicious food on the table and a warm bed. He rested there for the night.
In the morning, before leaving, he remembered Beauty's request. In the garden he saw a beautiful red rose. As soon as he picked it, a terrifying Beast appeared!
The Beast roared angrily,
"You stole my rose! You must pay for this!"
The frightened merchant begged for forgiveness and told the Beast about his daughter Beauty who loved roses.
After thinking for a moment, the Beast said,
"If your daughter comes here willingly, I will spare your life."
The merchant sadly agreed and returned home.
đź“– Page 2: Beauty Goes to the Castle
When Beauty heard what had happened, she felt responsible.
She said bravely,
"Father, I will go to the castle. I cannot let you suffer because of me."
The merchant cried but finally allowed her to go.
When Beauty arrived at the castle, the Beast welcomed her politely. Even though he looked scary, he spoke kindly.
Beauty lived in the castle with many comforts. She had beautiful rooms, books to read, and delicious food every day. Slowly she realized the Beast was not cruel, only lonely.
Every evening during dinner, the Beast asked gently,
"Beauty, will you marry me?"
And every evening Beauty replied softly,
"No, dear Beast. But I will always be your friend."
Days turned into weeks. Beauty and the Beast spent time talking, walking in the garden, and sharing stories. Beauty began to see the kind heart inside the Beast.
One night Beauty had a dream that her father was very sick. She became worried and asked the Beast if she could visit her father.
The Beast looked sad but said,
"You may go. But please return in seven days."
Beauty promised she would return.
đź“– Page 3: The Secret of the Beast
Beauty happily went home and took care of her father. But her sisters were jealous of her wonderful life in the castle. They tried to keep her home longer so the Beast would become angry.
Because of this, Beauty stayed longer than seven days.
One night she had a terrible dream. She saw the Beast lying weak and dying in the castle garden.
Beauty suddenly realized how much she cared for him. She rushed back to the castle immediately.
In the garden she found the Beast lying near the rose bushes. He looked very weak.
The Beast whispered sadly,
"You did not return… I thought you had forgotten me."
Beauty cried and held his hand.
"No, Beast! I will never forget you. You are kind and good. I… I love you!"
Suddenly something magical happened. ✨
A bright light surrounded the Beast, and he transformed into a handsome prince!
The prince explained that a powerful spell had turned him into a Beast. The curse could only be broken when someone truly loved him for his kind heart, not his appearance.
Beauty's love broke the spell.
Soon the castle became bright and joyful again. Beauty and the prince got married and lived happily ever after. 🌹👑
âś… Moral of the Story:
True beauty comes from a kind heart, not from appearance.