Unveiling Cornelia's Knowledge of Zero Requiem: A Deeper Dive

In the intricate web of Code Geass, Cornelia li Britannia, a character known for her complex motivations, plays a pivotal role. The depth of her knowledge about the Zero Requiem plan has been a topic of much discussion and debate. This article explores her potential awareness, motivations, and actions in light of the manga Code Geass: Oz the Reflection O2.

Understanding of Zero's Identity

Throughout the series, Cornelia li Britannia displays a strong sense of duty and loyalty to the Britannian Empire. Despite being in conflict with Lelouch, who later becomes Zero, she recognizes the significance of Zero's actions and the threat he poses to Britannia's stability. However, her knowledge of Lelouch's true identity as Zero is ambiguous until the culmination of the series.

Response to Lelouch's Utterance

When Lelouch is 301, Cornelias reaction can be interpreted as a mix of personal vendetta and political maneuvering. She calls him a "demon" and demands his release, likely driven by a mix of anger and her desire to maintain public order.

Role in the Plan

The character of Cornelia can be seen as playing a significant role within the larger political landscape. If she was aware of the Zero Requiem plan, she might have been acting to maintain public order and stability following Lelouch's death. However, there is no explicit indication in the original series that she was fully aware of the plan beforehand.

Clued-in Characters

Key figures like Suzaku Kururugi and others involved in the Zero Requiem had a clear understanding of Lelouch's intentions and the need for sacrifice. Cornelia, as a military leader and member of the royal family, could have been aligned with the overall goals of the plan without having the complete picture.

Indirect Evidence in the Final Manga

After the release of Code Geass: Oz the Reflection O2, our understanding of Cornelia's knowledge of the Zero Requiem plan has significantly shifted. This manga introduces events that were not featured in the original anime series.

The final volume of Oz the Reflection O2 reveals that Cornelia did not know about the Zero Requiem plan until after Lelouch's death. She was engaged in planning to assassinate Lelouch with her team and was actively waiting for any chance to act. This information is confirmed by the fact that she refused to let Villetta Nu go and save Ohgi before his execution, as she perceived the situation as one where her actions would be futile.

Conclusion

While Cornelia likely recognized the significance of Zero's actions, it is clear that she did not learn about the Zero Requiem plan before Lelouch's death. Her actions and reactions can be best understood within the context of maintaining Britannian stability and her personal vendetta against Lelouch.

Code Geass offers a rich tapestry of complex characters and plot twists, and the revelation from Oz the Reflection O2 provides deeper insight into certain character arcs. For fans of the series, understanding these nuances adds a layer of depth to the characters and the overall narrative.