Beauty and the Beast
A Dream Life and an Unexpected Storm
Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there lived a wealthy merchant with his three daughters. The youngest was the most beautiful and the wisest of all three, and everyone called her Beauty. But her sisters were jealous and mean.
They were more concerned with spending their father's money. Beauty dreamed that she would meet a handsome prince. She was convinced that one day she would marry the prince and they would live together in a beautiful palace.
There was much happiness in Beauty's life, just like in her dreams. But one day her fate changed. A terrible storm destroyed all her father's ships, and they were left without money.
— It's all over, my dears! — We are no longer rich. — Don't worry, Father. It will be well soon. We'll find a solution. — You are my only treasure. I am happy with you.
Soon after, the servants left the house, due to the poverty the merchant had fallen into. Beauty took care of the house, while her sisters complained about the poverty they lived in. Beauty prayed incessantly to God to bring happiness back to her father's face.
A Vain Hope and an Unexpected Request
One day, the merchant received news that one of his ships was entering the port.
— I have good news! One of my ships has entered the port! We won't be poor anymore! Now I must rush to the port! Tell me what you want me to bring each of you! — I want new dresses! — I want jewelry. — And what do you want me to bring you, my dear child? — All I want is for you to return home safely, Father. — How sweet of you! But you must ask me for anything you want, child! — Um, a purple rose. Please, just bring me one. — Of course, my dear!
Full of joy, the merchant set off for the port. Arriving at the port, he saw that the ship was completely deserted and discovered that the sailors had fled with what goods remained on board. With a broken heart, the merchant started his journey back home. Deep in thought, the merchant strayed from the road and got lost in a dense forest.
The snow fell as if the whole ocean had turned into white, fluffy flakes. The horse could no longer advance through the snowdrifts, so the merchant left it to rest under a tree. In the distance, he spotted some bright lights and headed towards them. It was a large and beautiful palace. When he arrived there, the shining golden gates opened. It was very strange that it hadn't snowed at all on the orange tree lane.
— Oh, how beautiful it is here! I must go in and meet the king of the palace!
The merchant entered a large hall. He waited and looked around for someone to appear, but after a long wait, no one came to the palace.
— Good day! Is anyone in the palace? Good day!
On the banquet table were fresh dishes, exquisite sweets, and fruits.
— I think I could start eating. I'll thank these thoughtful hosts later, whoever they may be.
He ate ravenously. After finishing his meal, he went upstairs. He opened the first door and saw a room with a beautiful, clean bed.
— Oh, my! It seems I needed a little luck too!
The merchant opened his eyes only the next day. He found a set of clean clothes for himself. He dressed and went down to the large hall. Breakfast was waiting for him on the table: milk, fresh fruit juice, and bread. He ate his fill and rose from the table.
— Good day! Is anyone here? Thank you for your hospitality! You are very generous! Now I will leave. Goodbye!
When he left the palace, he saw roses as far as the eye could see.
— Oh, the purple rose! Well, I can take one for my Beauty!
He approached the garden determinedly and plucked a rose. As soon as he plucked the rose, he heard a powerful growl behind him. He turned and saw before him a huge monster, with eyes red as blood, with teeth and claws sharp as
