On the stage, the MC adjusted the microphone, his voice ringing out clearly and solemnly amid the brilliantly lit wedding hall.

  – “Yes, with great joy, we warmly welcome all distinguished guests, along with the representatives of both families, to the wedding ceremony of the groom Minh Huy and the bride Anh Th?.”

  He paused briefly and smiled:

  – “And first of all, on behalf of the entire organizing team, allow me to extend to all of you our best wishes for good health, along with our warmest and most respectful greetings.”

  The grand hall erupted in crisp applause, blending with the gentle background music as the stage lights slowly shifted to a warm golden hue.

  In the dressing room behind the stage, Mary and Join were carefully helping Anh Th? put on the large butterfly wings over her shoulders. Crafted from thousands of tiny beads and crystals, the wings shimmered under the lights, soft yet exquisitely regal.

  Join frowned slightly as he adjusted the fastening straps:

  – “They’re quite heavy. Are you sure you’re okay?”

  Anh Th? smiled, her voice steady:

  – “I’m fine. As long as I look radiant during the ceremony, that’s all that matters.”

  Mary and the makeup artist made the final adjustments to her hair and makeup. After examining the wings closely, the artist reminded her:

  – “Everything looks good, but the wings are a bit large. When you move, walk slowly — otherwise you might tilt to one side.”

  The dressing room door swung open as Huy stepped in, looking anxious:

  – “Hurry up, the MC is about to introduce you.”

  Everyone immediately wrapped things up and headed out. Before leaving, the makeup artist turned to the two young women in white dresses standing behind them and whispered instructions:

  – “Later, stay close behind the bride and keep an eye on the wings. If there’s any problem, rush up and support them immediately.”

  The two girls nodded in unison:

  – “Yes, we understand.”

  On stage, the MC’s voice continued, warm and filled with emotion:

  – “Dear guests! From ancient times until now, and forevermore, love has always been a long story, rich with countless emotions and colors. When two hearts beat as one, people naturally wish to hold hands and walk together to the very end, building a family and a home.”

  The wedding hall gradually fell silent:

  – “And our young couple today is no exception. At this very moment, we — their beloved family and friends — are truly delighted to welcome this most significant milestone.”

  The MC raised his voice:

  – “Please give a thunderous round of applause, as vibrant as celebratory firecrackers, to welcome the two main characters of today. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the groom Minh Huy and the bride Anh Th?!”

  The lights in the grand hall suddenly softened, leaving only a focused beam illuminating the end of the aisle. Amid resounding applause, Anh Th? held Huy’s arm as they slowly walked toward the stage.

  The butterfly wings on the bride’s back glowed brilliantly under the lights, sparkling as if dusted with starlight. Following behind them were two young women in pure white dresses, each holding a small bamboo basket, gently scattering flower petals along the aisle — like blessings bestowed upon the newlyweds in this sacred moment of the evening.

  When the bride and groom had settled into position on the stage, the MC stepped forward, his voice resonant and formal:

  – “Distinguished guests, on such a joyful and momentous day as today, it would certainly be incomplete without the presence of the representatives of both families — the ones who gave birth to, raised, and brought to us the two most beautiful and happiest individuals of this evening.”

  He paused briefly, directing his gaze toward the groom’s family table:

  – “Representing the groom’s family, please allow me to respectfully introduce Mr. Tín and Mrs. Nguy?t, the parents of the groom Minh Huy. We kindly invite you to come up to the stage.”

  Scattered applause followed. The MC smiled and continued without delay:

  – “And representing the bride’s family, please allow me to respectfully introduce businessman D?ng and his wife Linh, the parents of the bride Anh Th?. We kindly invite you to come up to the stage as well. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm round of applause to welcome both families together with the bride and groom.”

  At Deep’s table, the atmosphere grew somewhat heavy. Ti?n tilted his head and murmured quietly:

  – “This MC’s introduction feels a bit out of sync.”

  Deep let out a soft chuckle, a trace of disdain showing in his eyes:

  – “It’s Mr. Quy’s restaurant. The MC is just doing what the host wants.”

  Tu?n shook his head lightly:

  – “Mr. D?ng should at least keep some dignity for the groom’s side. This is way too obvious.”

  At the table of Anh Tú’s parents, Mr. ??c curled his lips, his tone mocking:

  – “Only poor in-laws discriminate like this. Try being rich—then it’d be a whole different story.”

  Mrs. Tam also showed her displeasure:

  – “If only Anh Th? had managed to snag some rich heir and brought him in as a second son-in-law for the family, that would’ve been the proper move. Who knew Huy would snatch her first.”

  On stage, the bride and groom stood in the center as both sets of parents took their places. The MC turned toward the groom’s family and bowed politely:

  – “Thank you to both families. And now, we respectfully invite everyone to listen to a few heartfelt words from the representatives of each family.”

  He gestured toward Mr. Tín:

  – “First, please allow us to respectfully invite Mr. Tín, representative of the groom’s family, to share a few words with the bride, the groom, and all our guests.”

  Mr. Tín stepped forward, his voice trembling slightly but sincere:

  – “Today is a great day of joy for my family. As the father of the groom, Minh Huy, I only hope that from this day on, the two of you will know how to love one another, yield to each other, and overcome every hardship together in life.”

  He turned to look at Anh Th?, his gaze gentle:

  – “Your mother and I hope you will consider this family your own, and as for Huy, you must learn to cherish and protect your wife, live responsibly, and take good care of your family.”

  He bowed his head slightly:

  – “Thank you all for coming to share this joy with our family and with the two children.”

  The MC bowed in return:

  – “Our sincere thanks for the heartfelt words from the representative of the groom’s family.”

  He then turned toward the bride’s family:

  – “And next, we respectfully invite businessman D?ng, chairman of the construction steel group and representative of the bride’s family, to share a few words in response.”

  C?u D?ng lifted his chin and stepped forward with confident composure. He smiled broadly:

  – “First of all, I would like to thank all our distinguished guests — friends, partners, and dear neighbors — for coming to celebrate with our family on this important day.”

  He turned to Anh Th?, his voice softening:

  – “As a father, I only wish that my daughter will be truly happy from this day forward.”

  Then his gaze shifted to Huy. The smile remained, but his eyes turned sharp:

  – “As for you, my son-in-law, I hope you will treat Anh Th? well and not disappoint her parents.”

  Huy’s face paled slightly, but he maintained his composure:

  – “Yes, sir. I promise I will love and take care of Th? for the rest of my life.”

  C?u D?ng nodded, the corner of his lips lifting faintly.

  – “I trust you. A man who speaks must also act.”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  On the other side, Mr. Tín and Mrs. Nguy?t exchanged a silent glance. They understood their family’s circumstances all too well, but standing on the grand stage at their child’s wedding, they could only quietly endure, swallowing all their emotions deep inside.

  The MC turned around and gestured toward the champagne tower, stacked in glittering tiers beneath the crystal lights:

  – “And now, we respectfully invite the bride and groom to step over to the ceremonial table to perform the champagne pouring ritual — a rite that marks an auspicious beginning to their marital journey.”

  He smiled, his voice warm and resonant:

  – “Please, the two of you, pour for one another the wine of love — filling your dreams with faith, blending together commitment, affection, and the most heartfelt blessings for the future ahead.”

  Huy gently guided Anh Th? toward the champagne tower. Under the guidance of the ceremonial staff, both of them placed their hands on the bottle, tilting it slightly as the golden champagne flowed into the top glass.

  From there, it cascaded down through the lower tiers, each stream symbolizing abundance, prosperity, and fulfillment in their life together. When the final glass was filled, the stage lights reflected off the tower, making it sparkle like a work of art.

  The MC continued, extending his hand toward both sets of parents:

  – “Next, we invite the bride and groom to perform the ritual of offering wine to both families’ parents. These are cups of filial gratitude and marital devotion, expressing deep appreciation to the parents — the ones who gave birth to, raised, and protected the two of you up to this very day.”

  Huy and Anh Th? each raised their glasses in turn, bowing respectfully as they offered wine to Mr. Tín and Mrs. Nguy?t, then to C?u D?ng and M? Linh. The atmosphere on stage became solemn, dignified, yet warmly emotional.

  The MC went on with meaningful emphasis:

  – “Filial piety honors the bond of birth and upbringing; love completes the destiny of husband and wife. And now, we respectfully invite both families to step forward, raise a toast together, and officially unite the two households as one.”

  Both sets of parents clinked glasses, polite smiles mingling with emotions difficult to name.

  The MC nodded gently and transitioned to the next rite:

  – “And now, please invite the bride and groom to perform the ritual of the cross-cupped wine.”

  Huy and Anh Th? turned to face one another, arms intertwined, each holding a glass. Their eyes met for a brief moment before they lifted the glasses and drank them dry, amid thunderous applause from the guests. The cross-cupped wine ritual concluded, symbolizing a lifelong bond—sharing joys and hardships, never leaving each other’s side.

  The MC raised his own glass high:

  – “And now, we invite all distinguished guests to fill your glasses and raise a toast to the happiness of the bride Anh Th? and groom Minh Huy.”

  He called out loudly:

  – “One… two… three… cheers!”

  The entire hall rose to its feet at once. The clinking of glasses, the chorus of cheers, and bursts of laughter blended together, creating a lively, jubilant atmosphere befitting a grand wedding of the elite.

  As the excitement gradually settled, the MC continued:

  – “Distinguished guests, the toast you have just witnessed also marks the conclusion of the official introduction of both families. We kindly invite the parents of the bride and groom to return to their tables to continue celebrating with everyone.”

  He then turned to the newlyweds:

  – “As for the bride and groom, please remain on stage to perform the happiness cake-cutting ceremony.”

  A three-tier wedding cake was rolled to the center of the stage. Huy placed his hand over Anh Th?’s, and together they held the knife, slowly cutting the first slice amid applause and continuous camera flashes from the audience.

  The MC offered his blessing softly:

  – “The cake-cutting ceremony signifies that from this day forward, groom Minh Huy and bride Anh Th? are officially united as husband and wife — hand in hand, building a new life together, sharing sweetness and bitterness alike, walking side by side for a lifetime.”

  Under the MC’s guidance, Huy and Anh Th? turned to face one another. He gently placed a hand around her waist; she rose slightly on her toes, and the two shared a kiss on stage, greeted by unending applause.

  The MC declared solemnly:

  – “The exchange of that kiss officially concludes the wedding ceremony of bride Anh Th? and groom Minh Huy.”

  He bowed slightly:

  – “Please invite the newlyweds to return to each table to greet and toast with our distinguished guests. On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we wish the bride and groom a hundred years of fulfilled love and lifelong devotion.”

  – “And on behalf of both families, we sincerely thank all honored guests for joining us on this momentous day. We wish everyone an enjoyable and delicious banquet.”

  The servers began bringing out steaming dishes to the tables, the soft clinking of plates and cutlery blending with the lively chatter of the guests.

  L?p Thành lowered his voice:

  – “Do we act now?”

  Trúc Di?n fell silent for a few seconds, his gaze sweeping quickly across the banquet tables:

  – “If we use tricks to separate that girl from the group, the minor demons will immediately become suspicious.”

  H?ng Nhung frowned slightly, worry in her voice:

  – “Then what should we do?”

  The corner of Erion’s lips curved upward, a trace of triumph flashing in his eyes:

  – “Freeze time. Like last time.”

  Yin nodded lightly:

  – “That’s the only way.”

  Charles glanced around, seeing the guests happily raising their glasses, no one paying attention:

  – “If we act here, no one will suspect anything. Move outside and it’ll be obvious.”

  Erion turned to Trang, his gaze serious yet full of trust:

  – “This time, I’m entrusting it to you. Be confident. I’m always by your side.”

  Trang hesitated slightly, her fingers tightening:

  – “I still don’t have full control over my power… I’m afraid if I make a mistake then.”

  Erion clasped her hand firmly, his voice low and resolute:

  – “You can do it. You’ve trained so much for this. Now is the time — conquer yourself.”

  A mix of nervousness and determination surged within Trang. She took a deep breath:

  – “I’ll do it.”

  Din scanned the surroundings and spoke softly:

  – “Everyone’s eating normally. Princess… begin.”

  Trang lowered her right hand beneath the table. A red-glowing magic circle gradually appeared around her wrist, a time sigil etched with twelve Roman numerals and ancient runes, slowly rotating clockwise.

  The space around them began to emit faint cracking sounds.

  Crack… crack… crack…

  Every movement in the grand hall slowed, as if being dragged through thickened air, then each frame froze completely. Beams of light from the chandeliers stopped midair, droplets of wine hovered at the rims of glasses, smiles on the guests’ faces halted in place. Sound was compressed into nothingness, and the entire space sank into absolute silence — like a film frozen at its climax.

  Erion nodded slightly, clear satisfaction in his eyes:

  – “See? You did very well. Just believe in yourself… and you can do it.”

  Trang stood still for a few seconds, her heart pounding. The overwhelming sensation quickly gave way to a confidence she had never fully felt before. She realized she had just accomplished something she had always believed was impossible. A quiet pride spread through her chest.

  Immediately, Phong Túc stood up. Without a single wasted sound, he walked straight toward the red-highlight-haired girl who was clinking glasses and laughing with her friends, as if he were merely a guest leaving his table for a stroll. The others silently followed, blending seamlessly into the frozen wedding hall.

  When the distance closed to a single arm’s length, the disguise spell began to dissolve.

  The hazel-brown eyes vanished, revealing his true gaze — his left eye ruby red, blazing like freshly stirred embers; his right eye sapphire blue, cold and unfathomable like eternal ice. Two opposing colors coexisted within the same stare, making the surrounding space seem to sink under its weight.

  Phong Túc raised his right hand.

  From his fingertips, the claws of a black spirit lynx slowly extended—soundless, slender, razor-sharp, so sharp that the hall’s lights bent faintly along their edges. These were not hunting claws—but scalpels of memory, refined to intervene directly in the stream of consciousness without causing physical harm.

  Just a single, light incision.

  No blood. No pain.

  The space before Phong Túc seemed to peel apart. Layers of the girl’s memories burst open, overlapping like semi-transparent film reels rewinding at extreme speed. Laughter, lights, fragmented moments — all flowed past under the cold gaze of the one known as the memory editor.

  His finger traced the timelines, precise as a cursor scanning lines of data.

  Then he stopped.

  The moment when the girl asked to take a photo with Trang appeared with crystal clarity.

  The ultra-sharp claw descended gently.

  Slash.

  That memory segment was severed from the flow of time like a frame removed from a reel. Phong Túc did not erase it crudely — he seamlessly stitched the moments before and after together, adjusting them so perfectly that even the victim’s subconscious could not detect the break.

  The two cuts closed.

  Smooth. Clean. As if that moment had never existed.

  The dual-colored glow in Phong Túc’s eyes faded beneath the reforming disguise spell. The claws retracted, his hand returning to human form. Within the frozen timeline, no one knew — one memory had been surgically altered and erased forever.

  Phong Túc curled his lips:

  – “Done. The memory has been erased. She still has the Princess’s photo saved on her phone, but she hasn’t sent or shared it with anyone.”

  He turned to the side:

  – “The rest… leave it to Bách Di?n.”

  Bách Di?n smiled, his own disguise dissolving to reveal heterochromatic eyes — left mint green, right turmeric gold — each operating independently, creating a gaze both cold and unsettling.

  – “Then… let’s begin.”

  Bách Di?n stepped forward.

  Every movement he made was neat and precise, like a reflex carved deep into him after hundreds of years of existence. He bent down and opened the handbag of the red-highlight-haired girl with such natural ease that it caused not the slightest disturbance in the frozen space around them.

  He took out the phone.

  His finger lightly pressed the power button.

  The corner of Bách Di?n’s lips lifted, forming a thin, cold smile:

  – “Fingerprint lock… that’s easy.”

  At that very moment, his right hand began to change.

  Human skin disintegrated like a mask being peeled away. The pale pink hue vanished, replaced by constantly shifting pigments that spread and spiraled into one another, like living auroras beneath a layer of translucent skin.

  The surface of his hand was no longer smooth.

  Layers of epidermis contracted — expanded — restructured in microscopic rhythms. Countless tiny spines emerged, arranged in precise biological order, reflecting a cold, inhuman light.

  Only the thumb changed more slowly.

  Fingerprint lines began to appear — each spiral, each ridge copied with absolute perfection, as if the hand were memorizing the biometric structure of the phone’s owner in the very instant of contact.

  No deviation.

  No excess.

  Not even a micron out of place.

  He placed his thumb on the home button. The lock screen lit up instantly. Phong Túc spoke in a low voice:

  – “Go into the photo library. Delete every image related to the Princess. Not a single one left.”

  Chen frowned and snorted:

  – “Why not just take her finger and unlock it faster?”

  Bách Di?n didn’t look up, only glanced toward the red-highlight-haired girl, whose hand was frozen mid-toast, holding a glass.

  – “Don’t you see she’s holding a glass?”

  Erion continued, his tone serious:

  – “When time is frozen, the biggest taboo is touching or changing the posture of any individual affected by it.”

  Chen scratched his head:

  – “I… still don’t quite get it.”

  Erion stepped forward and placed his hand on a crystal wine glass on the table. The instant he touched it — crack! — the glass shattered, shards bursting outward and then freezing in midair, their sharp edges glittering as if nailed into space.

  He turned back to Chen:

  – “See? If Bách Di?n pulled her finger to get the fingerprint, that finger bone would snap immediately.”

  Chen’s face drained of color, turning pale green:

  – “That’s… that terrifying?”

  Din calmly added:

  – “Imagine you’re standing inside a box, and I pour concrete halfway in. Once the concrete hardens, if someone drags you out… what do you think happens to your body?”

  Chen shuddered violently and swallowed hard.

  Meanwhile, Bách Di?n had finished his work. Folder after folder was opened, and the photos of the girl taken with Trang vanished one by one, leaving no trace for recovery. He also checked the cache, hidden data, and the system trash before locking the screen:

  – “Done. Everything’s clean. Social media posts have been completely deleted as well.”

  Arian glanced at the cameras mounted along the wedding hall:

  – “We’ve been on camera this whole time.”

  Erion curled his lips, his gaze cold yet confident:

  – “No. The space around where we’re sitting has been isolated. Just like last time at D?ng’s villa — not a single lens can see through it.”

  Lita shot a look at My, irritation clear in her eyes:

  – “Phong Túc, erase her memory of Trúc Di?n too. No point letting trouble linger.”

  Nh? Phu nodded in agreement:

  – “Do it while you’re at it. She’s been paying attention to both him and Bách Di?n.”

  Phong Túc nodded lightly, his voice decisive:

  – “Alright. One minute.”

  The dual colors in his eyes slowly flared beneath the disguise spell, signaling another memory intervention about to begin — silent, precise, and leaving no ripples in the frozen flow of time.