Once upon a time, in a quiet village, lived a kind merchant with three daughters. The two older daughters loved fancy things, but the youngest, called Beauty, was gentle and loved flowers and reading. She had a heart as lovely as her name.
One day, the merchant lost all his ships and became quite poor. He had to move with his daughters to a small house in the countryside. The older sisters grumbled, but Beauty tried to make the best of things, tending the garden and helping her father.
Months later, the merchant heard one of his ships might have returned. He set off on a long journey, promising to bring back gifts. The older sisters asked for jewels and fine clothes, but Beauty only asked for a single rose.
The merchant's ship had not brought back much wealth. On his way home, tired and sad, he stumbled upon a magical castle. The gates were open, and food was waiting, but there was no one around. As he left, he saw a beautiful rose garden and remembered Beauty's wish. He picked just one perfect rose.
Suddenly, a loud roar startled him! A fearsome Beast appeared. "You have stolen my most precious rose!" the Beast boomed. The merchant trembled and explained he took it for his kindest daughter. The Beast said he would spare the merchant if one of his daughters came to live at the castle.
The merchant returned home heartbroken. When Beauty heard the story, she bravely decided to go. She couldn't let her father be harmed. She said goodbye to her family and went to the magical castle.
At the castle, things were not as scary as she expected. Invisible hands served delicious meals, and the rooms were grand and comfortable. The Beast visited her each evening. He looked different, yes, but his voice was gentle, and he was very kind to her. He talked to her about books and flowers and always asked if she needed anything.
Beauty spent her days exploring the beautiful castle and gardens. She learned that the Beast, despite his appearance, had a good heart. She started to like talking with him and looked forward to their evening chats. She saw the kindness beneath his outer self.
After a while, Beauty became lonely for her family. The Beast, seeing her sadness, allowed her to visit them, making her promise to return in a week. Beauty happily went home, where her family was overjoyed to see her. But her sisters were jealous of the nice clothes the Beast had given her.
Beauty stayed a bit longer than she promised. One night, she had a dream that the Beast was sad and lonely. Remembering her promise and his kindness, she hurried back to the castle. She found the Beast weak and unhappy in the garden, thinking she wouldn't return.
"Oh, Beast," Beauty cried, "I came back!" She told him how much she cared for him. As she spoke, a wonderful change happened. The Beast's form began to shift and sparkle. In his place stood a handsome Prince.
He explained that an enchantress had cursed him to look like a beast until he found someone who could love him despite his appearance. Beauty's true love and kindness had broken the spell. Beauty and the Prince were married and lived happily ever after in the magical castle, proving that true beauty comes from within.