Back at the castle, Prince Adam was planning a very special surprise for Belle for the next day.
A/N: This was the reason why he decided not to go with Belle to the village.
The surprise was a marriage proposal. This had all been planned out a month before the invention fair.
(Flashback- a month ago...)
Prince Adam had written a letter to Maurice without Belle noticing one day, requesting him to come to the castle right away. Maurice arrived later that day and was being escorted to Adam's private study by Cogsworth. As Belle was walking towards the library, she was surprised to see her father here. "Oh, hello Poppa. What brings you here?", Belle wondered as she hugged her father. Maurice didn't want to ruin Adam's surprise for Belle. So he tried his best not to say anything. Just as he was about to make up a reason, Adam appeared. "Ah Maurice, there you are. I'm so glad to see that you got my letter," Adam said.
"Letter?", Belle questioned. Realizing that Belle was there and not wanting her to find out about his special plan, Adam explained to her that he had invited her father to discuss something important regarding Maurice's progress with his invention. Belle was at first a little hesitant, considering she was not informed of this. But, she was finally convinced and continued on her way to the library. Maurice and Adam both let out a sigh of relief. "Phew, that was close," exclaimed Maurice rubbing the top of his forehead as if he felt hot. Adam looked at him in agreement.
Adam then turned to Cogsworth and said, "It's alright, Cogsworth. I can take it from here." Cogsworth bowed and left to resume his duties. The duo then proceeded to Adam's private study. As soon as they entered the room, Adam quickly closed the door so that no one could hear their conversation. As they sat down, Adam was feeling a little nervous. Although eh was feeling that way, he knew he had to confess.
"So Adam, why did you request for me to come at such an urgent time and what did you want to talk about?", Maurice questioned. Adam took a deep breath. "There is something I want to ask your permission for," Adam began. "Well, as you know, I could not be more grateful to Belle for breaking the curse that was caste upon the castle two years ago. If it were not for her true love, kindness, and compassion, then myself and my staff would have been doomed forever." Maurice listened and remembered the whole incident.
He understood how hard it must have been for Adam and his staff to endure a curse for approximately 10 years of their lives. "I completely understand, my dear boy. I'm sure Belle and I can relate." Hearing Maurice's statement and seeing his sad facial expression, Adam was curious. "What do you mean?", he asked. Then, Maurice took a deep breath and explained to him that when Belle's mother (Maurice's wife) had past away due to a mysterious sickness when Belle was a baby, Maurice had to quickly pack their things and abandon their home in Paris in order to protect Belle.
Soon after searching for a place to live, they finally came to the village of Villeneuve (in Adam's kingdom) where she was raised. As she was growing up, everyone thought that although she was pretty, her love for books made the town think of her as the 'odd one'. And that's how it was for the past 10 years. "That is, until she met and get to know you and your castle staff that she didn't feel like the 'odd one' anymore."
As Adam carefully listened to the story, he was shocked at first. He had no idea that Belle's childhood life was like that. He felt sorry for her and Maurice. But it was okay considering it was all in the past now. "But, what does this have to do with you asking for my permission?", Maurice wondered. "Well, I know you are aware that I truly love your daughter. Ever since she broke the spell upon me, I have grown to cherish her during the time we spend together. As I got to know her more and more even after the spell was broken, I realized that she is the one for me. I could not imagine my life without her. I guess what I'm trying to say is... May I have your permission to ask you daughter for her hand in marriage?"
Hearing the prince's question shocked Maurice. At first, he was speechless. But seeing his daughter so happy and knowing that Adam will take really good care of her, Maurice then gave his answer. "Yes, my boy, You have both my permission and blessing for you to ask and marry my daughter. I can see hoe happy the two of you are together. And I know that you will take really good care of her." They then shook hands as a sign of agreement.
"Thank you so much, Maurice," said Adam with a smile. "Oh, you can call me 'Father' now, Adam," Maurice chuckled. Later that day, Adam eventually told the castle staff about his proposal plan for Belle that would take place one month later.
(Present Day- one month later...)
While Belle was busy helping her father in the village, Adam (with the assistance of his castle staff) was planning everything he wanted for his surprise proposal. Miss Potts was preparing the food. Lumiere, Chip, and Babette were decorating the castle garden's gazebo with red and white roses. And, of course, Cogsworth was supervising. Adam had also arranged for his Maestro, Fife, to play a beautiful peace of music as soon as Belle enters the garden until he proposes. Once the decorations and food have been situated, everyone took a moment to admire what they've done.
Everything looked splendid. Adam then turned towards Chip, who was jumping around with eagerness. He looked at the boy and said, "Do you think Belle will like the surprise proposal for tomorrow, Chip?" "Oh, yes. Belle will love it!", Chip replied with excitement. Adam laughed. "Remember, not a word to Belle when she comes back later, okay?", Adam softly whispered. Chip nodded and placed his finger on his mouth ( ), saying "My lips are sealed." Then everyone resumed their daily duties until Belle returned later that evening.