The villain daughter did all kinds of things

"When I had a lot of money, the Morgan family approached me. They wanted to help me with my financial management so that I could make money from money and become even richer. They also introduced me to more people who were willing to invest in me."

“I accepted their offer without question. I not only used all of their investment for my own research, but also directly put some of the ideas they shared with me during our technical exchanges into my experiments.”

"I was very interested in the idea of ​​implanting magical circuits into the human body, like the Lohid family's, and I immediately conducted an experiment... But I didn't do it for artificial magicians; I wanted to make magic-resistant people accept magic. Unfortunately, it failed in the end, and all the materials that were forcibly implanted with magical circuits turned into pus."

"Slat Pharmaceuticals also gave me a very interesting idea—as we all know, after being corrupted by magic, magic rejecters, besides turning into pus and dying a miserable death, also have a certain probability of mutating into monsters under the influence of magic. So if it were possible to artificially control magic rejecters to mutate into monsters 100% of the time, and the mutated monsters were roughly humanoid and retained their sanity, wouldn't that be considered a successful evolution? I also conducted research along this line of thought, but unfortunately, I still failed. I couldn't even make magic rejecters mutate 100% of the time, let alone make them retain their sanity after mutating."

"So I can only conduct research according to my own ideas, researching non-stop, spending all my time in the laboratory except for necessary social interactions. Only by making my research successful faster can I relieve more magic rejecters from suffering."

"You accuse me of being utterly wicked for consuming at least 5 experimental materials, but in my view, this is precisely proof of my hard work!"

After speaking in one breath, old man Langdon shrugged, first glancing around the courtroom and smiling at all the people present, before looking seriously at Mengmeng:

“The investigator questioned why I didn’t experiment on myself first, and this is my answer to you—because I am not a magic rejecter and cannot be a test subject. If I could really be a test subject, the first person lying on the test table would definitely be myself, just like when I was developing magical bionic organs.”

"Moreover, although I myself could not become a test subject, I did not use other people's cubs as test subjects in the initial stage of the experiment... Miss Investigator, do you still remember the children in the garden? They were indeed children I adopted through legal means, and I once loved and cared for them like real parents, giving them the best life they needed."

"It's just that when I need materials for my experiments... one can't be too selfish. Before my own children all died because of failed experiments, I never used anyone else's children as experimental materials."

"You're absolutely insane!"

Mengmeng finally couldn't take it anymore and shouted at old man Langdon.

"Watch your words, Miss Investigator."

Old man Langdon remained unmoved and even reminded Mengmeng in return:

"If I'm really judged to be insane, then I'm mentally ill. According to the laws of the Allen Federation, the mentally ill are not executed; at most, they'll lock me up for life for treatment. You don't want to see me living a comfortable old age, do you?"

"you……!"

Mengmeng was so angry that her breathing became rapid, and the buttons on her shirt almost flew off.

She was furious, but her position and the situation forced her to remain calm. She stopped arguing with old man Langdon about ideals and motives, and simply stared intently into his eyes:

"Whatever your motives, you've killed over 5 human infants. You have to admit that, right? That should be enough. Under federal law, that alone is enough for a judge to sentence you to death at least 1 times! Whatever your ideals, go chase them in hell!"

Snapped!

The judge then tapped his gavel, ending the first round of debate, and then looked at old man Langdon:

"The plaintiff's accusation that you killed more than 5 human infants is valid, and the relevant evidence is very conclusive. Do you have anything else to say, or any demands?"

These words seem to declare Mengmeng's victory, implying that no matter what old man Langdon says, he will still be executed.

But old Langdon remained completely unfazed. He rose from the dock again, looking less like a criminal on trial and more like a thinker giving a public speech.

“Yes, Miss Investigator is right. I do deserve to die, and my crime is unforgivable.”

"However, my research is very close to success. In at most another year, I will be able to completely solve the problem of magic rejecters, so that all the next generation of humans will be able to have magic affinity, and future humans will no longer have to suffer the same pain as the current magic rejecters."

"So what I want to ask is—give me another year. During this year, you can provide me with research facilities and materials so that I can continue my research."

"Once I succeed, I will make my achievements public to all mankind free of charge. Then you can execute me to demonstrate the fairness and justice of the law."

Are you kidding me?

Mengmeng stood up in anger, first glaring fiercely at old man Langdon, then looking sincerely at the judge:

"We absolutely cannot grant his request! Your Honor! His research over the past year is enough to kill at least another 5000 human infants! We cannot allow any more innocent human children to be harmed! This kind of monster should be executed immediately!"

"Think of the more than 5000 children you saved, Your Honor, you will be their hero!"

“You do need to think this through carefully, Your Honor, and also, jury members.”

Old Langdon then looked at the judge and jury members, speaking earnestly:

"My year's worth of experiments does indeed require at least 5000 more experimental materials, which makes my guilt even more unforgivable."

"However, our Allen Federation currently has a population of over 5 million, of which more than 8000 million are magic rejecters. Moreover, at least 50 newborns each year are tragically magic rejecters."

"You are all legal professionals, and it's perfectly reasonable for you to think about issues from a legal perspective. But you are also all elites of human society, and often you need to have a long-term vision and consider the interests and losses of the race as a whole."

“Execute me now, and you will all appear righteous and heroic for a time. But in the future, the more than 50 newborn children born each year who are magic rejecters may resent you for depriving them of the opportunity to escape their painful lives.”

"On the contrary, fulfilling my request will certainly bring you temporary infamy, but all the magic-repelling cubs will remember your kindness and sing your praises."

"Whether you become a hero for a time but regret it for a hundred years, or bear the infamy for a time but become an eternal legend, is up to you, gentlemen."

“I do not want to escape legal judgment. I just hope that everyone can give me another year to witness our human race take a new step forward.”

The judge and jury visibly hesitated.

Although Langdon's actions were unforgivable, the powerful figures behind him had already put pressure on many members of the jury, urging them to save Langdon's life at all costs, at least until his technology was figured out by others.

However, the rigor and impartiality of the law made this step very difficult. After much deliberation, many jurors and judges originally intended to sentence Langdon to death immediately, as Mengmeng wished.

Whether the execution will go smoothly, or whether old Langdon will be rescued, is none of the judge's or the jury's business.

But now... it seems that Langdon's own proposal could also be considered?

Many jurors, including the judge, were somewhat persuaded by old Langdon.

Mengmeng clearly saw this from the looks in those people's eyes, and she became somewhat anxious:

"Don't be fooled by this devil's sweet talk, gentlemen!"

Meanwhile, old man Langdon remained calm and composed, and even unleashed a powerful move:

Whether my words were sweet talk or genuine feelings, I believe you can all make your own judgment.

"If you think I'm doing this to leave a good reputation after I die, then there's even less reason to worry."

"I can relinquish the right to name all my research findings, and any future historical records may omit my name and simply say that there once was a mad doctor like me."

"In the annals of history, the true hero who saved those who reject magic will not be me, but those of you who withstood the pressure and made the right judgment... What do you think?"

After saying this, old man Langdon fell silent, sat back down, and patiently awaited the outcome.

The pressure immediately fell on the judge and jury, with tens of thousands of eyes inside and outside the courtroom fixed on them, awaiting their decision.

To be honest, Langdon's proposal was very appealing to the judge and jury members, and many wanted to agree, but that would make them seem too opportunistic and they couldn't act rashly.

So after some hesitation, the judge and jury members did not rush to lock themselves up to discuss how to pronounce the verdict, but instead turned their attention to the audience, or more precisely, to the audience of the defendant, old man Langdon's, relatives and friends, namely, Amelie and the other representatives of Langdon's investors.

"Do any distinguished ladies and gentlemen have any suggestions?"

The judge was very polite.

“I agree with Mr. Langdon’s proposal.”

Unexpected yet reasonable, Yak Lohid was the first to stand up and speak, and he expressed his support for old man Langdon:

"The progress of races and civilizations is often accompanied by sacrifice. If the problem of magic rejecters can be completely solved by the sacrifice of tens of thousands of people, then such sacrifice is worthwhile. Although I myself cannot be as ruthless as Mr. Langdon, I admire Mr. Langdon's ideals and awareness, and I support him."

Lohid's statement immediately turned Mengmeng's face pale.

Fortunately, Emery came to Mengmeng's aid in time.

“Brother Yak has a point, but old man Langdon is truly a bastard. His crimes are unforgivable and he must be executed immediately!”

As she spoke, Emerald gave Mengmeng a reassuring look, making no attempt to hide the fact that the two were having an affair, before a wicked smile crept across her face.

"As for the issue of saving the magic-repelling cubs, it's actually quite simple. We don't necessarily have to make a choice; we can come up with a compromise."

"For example, after executing old man Langdon, instead of annihilating his soul, capture it and seal it in a magical artifact using necromancy, so that he can serve as a technical advisor to guide the person who takes over his research... Well, use gentler methods to conduct the research, don't be so radical."

"In this way, we definitely won't get results in a year, but what about 5 years? 10 years? We'll eventually succeed in the research."

This seemed like a good idea, and the judge and many jurors' eyes lit up immediately.

"no!"

Only Mengmeng remained with her arms crossed, making a gesture of refusal:

"This old bastard's ideas are too dangerous; even his soul cannot be spared! Who knows if the researchers who take over his case will be bewitched by him and embark on the same path of crime?"

This argument also made sense, and the judge and jury members hesitated again.

"Haha."

Starling, who had been watching with amusement, suddenly burst out laughing:

"Actually, to be honest, there's nothing to be conflicted about—isn't our Allen Federation supposed to be a country of freedom and democracy? If you all really can't make a judgment, then why not hold a nationwide vote, just like the presidential election, and let everyone decide what fate Mr. Langdon deserves?"

Chapter 208 Is there such a thing?

Starling's suggestion sounded like a joke, but the judge and jury members actually looked thoughtful.

Langdon's situation is quite special. No matter how he is sentenced, the person making the decision will be under immense pressure, and even the jury may find it difficult to reach a consensus.

The judge then asked other people in the defendant's family and friends section for their opinions, and the answers were basically the same.

The short-haired, black-stockinged, mature woman from Slater Pharmaceuticals, Debbie Slater, simply adjusted her glasses calmly when questioned:

“I deeply respect Mr. Langdon’s tenacious character and unwavering ideals, and I admire his outstanding skills and exceptional talent. Often, technological progress comes with certain sacrifices, which may be difficult to accept emotionally, but that is the reality.”

The answers from the others were similar. Apart from Starling, who was just watching for fun, and Emery, who seemed to be clearly supporting Mengmeng, the others either explicitly or implicitly expressed their support for old man Langdon.

This made Mengmeng sullen again, literally sullen, to the point that Amelie was worried about the quality of her shirt buttons.

The judges and jury members are under even more pressure.

Although legally speaking, Langdon should absolutely be executed immediately, many powerful figures had already instructed that his life be spared. In addition, Langdon's previous speech had indeed moved many people, making the matter extremely difficult to handle.

Mengmeng has already submitted all the evidence she needed to submit, and old man Langdon has said everything he wanted to say.

Now that the bigwigs have all expressed their opinions, the judge and jury members can only follow the procedure and lock themselves in a small dark room to discuss how to sentence Langdon.

A few hours later, the result, which was entirely expected, came out.

With sweat beading on his forehead, the judge announced that the case was special and could not be judged entirely according to existing laws, nor could it be decided by a few people. Therefore, the court would adjourn for a week to think and discuss the matter, and the verdict would be announced a week later.

Mengmeng was clearly dissatisfied with the result and wanted to protest, but the shrewd judge didn't give her a chance at all. He simply struck the gavel and declared the day's hearing over, telling her to wait until a week later to say whatever she wanted to say.

Before leaving the courtroom, old man Langdon smiled and nodded at Mengmeng in a seemingly friendly manner, but to Mengmeng, that smile looked like a mockery of her being a nobody.

This infuriated Mengmeng, and she lost all interest in greeting or arguing with Amelie, returning directly to her office at the Investigation Bureau.

She needs to find a way to gather more information to prove how harmful old man Langdon is; she absolutely cannot let old man Langdon cause trouble for another year.

Meanwhile, after the court hearing, Emery quickly led Marcy and Sulina into the FBI and headed straight for the room where Langdon was being held, her face still showing anger.

"...Um, Miss, are you here to visit Mr. Langdon? Do you have an appointment?"

The detective in charge of guarding old man Langdon felt a sense of foreboding, but duty called, so he gritted his teeth and stopped him.

"I'm here to beat him up! What's wrong with that? Do I need to apply in advance?"

Emerald continued to play her spoiled rich girl character, even clenching her fist:

"That old devil, I've invested a lot in him before, and he actually dared to mock me in court for being stupid and rich? And he even bullied my precious Mengmeng? How can I tolerate this?"

"But but..."

The detective guarding the gate was already drenched in sweat.

"But doing this is against the rules, Miss."

"My word is law now!"

Emerald's tone became even more domineering, and an impatient expression appeared on her face:

"I'll give you two minutes to think it over, or you can go ask your superiors. If you're still blocking my way after two minutes, then I'll beat you up too!"

"I……"

The detective wanted to unleash a torrent of profanity, but he didn't want to die a humiliating death.

So he had no choice but to swallow his anger and contact his superiors to ask for instructions.

Under normal circumstances, the director of the investigation bureau is not someone anyone can contact at will. The highest-ranking official that an ordinary agent can directly contact is the assistant director.

The assistant's style has always been one of compromise and stability, trying not to offend anyone, and sometimes turning a blind eye to rules and regulations.

So after hearing about the situation here, the assistant personally spoke with Amelie:

"I'll have someone temporarily turn off the magical surveillance. The suspect, Langdon, slipped and fell in the detention cell today... Well, Miss, please don't actually kill him."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing... My darling Mengmeng really wants to see old Langdon executed by law. If I were to kill him, Mengmeng would definitely nag me about it."

Amelie made this promise.

This reason was perfectly reasonable, at least given Emery's reputation for womanizing, so the assistant didn't say anything more and ordered the detectives to cooperate.

The agent in charge of guarding old man Langdon was actually one of the more upright agents in the Bureau of Investigation, and he really didn't want Emery to go in like that.

But his superiors had given the order, and a wise man doesn't fight a losing battle. If Emery beat him up, it would be a complete waste of his time. So he had no choice but to compromise. First, he turned off the surveillance in the detention room, and then he opened the door and let Emery in.