'赤いろうそくと人魚 (Akai Rosoku to Ningyo)' Summary

An elderly couple, blessed with a kind heart, adopt a mermaid who becomes their beloved daughter. The mermaid possesses a remarkable talent - she can paint mesmerizing images on candles, which attract customers and bring prosperity to their business. The couple, initially humble and appreciative, fall prey to greed as their wealth grows. Their hearts harden, and they ultimately betray their daughter's trust, selling her to a traveling circus for a hefty sum. The story is a poignant depiction of how material wealth can corrupt the soul and lead to tragic consequences, ultimately highlighting the enduring power of love and family.