(Scene fades in: a grand, empty throne room bathed in dim, golden light. Dust drifts in the air. The faint echo of a music box plays — Nunnally’s lullaby.)

MARIANNE (soft, wistful) “Ah… so you remember me. How rare.”

(A slow camera pan across portraits of Britannian royalty. Her smiling face among them.) “Most only recall the legend… the beautiful consort of the 98th Emperor… the gentle mother of Lelouch and Nunnally.”

(Cut to a flash — laughter echoes, a garden in sunlight. Marianne riding a horse through the palace hall, servants scattering, Lelouch cheering.) “I was once that woman — kind… daring… perhaps a little too wild for these marble halls.”

(Music swells gently — strings and piano. Her tone warms.) “I still remember their laughter. Nunnally’s timid smile… Lelouch’s fire.” (Soft pause) “I would have torn down the heavens themselves to protect them.”

(A low hum builds beneath her words — the music box fades into a haunting organ. Shadows spread across the throne room.) “But kindness alone cannot change the world.”

(The light dims. Her reflection sharpens on the throne’s black surface — cold, resolute.) “Empires are not built on affection… they are built on resolve.”

(Cut — flashes of battle, collapsing stone, the Ganymede Knightmare rising in flames.) “That is the truth Charles and I embraced — a world without lies, without masks… where every soul stands naked before reality.”

(Her voice hardens — queenly, almost divine.) “Even if it means shattering the ones we love.”

(Brief silence — then her face reappears in the reflection, eyes glowing faintly blue.) “You see… I did not stop being a mother when I died.”

(A low, knowing smile) “I simply became something greater… and far more dangerous.”

(The camera slowly tracks forward toward her reflection as her voice turns commanding, ethereal.) “So if you stand before me seeking comfort…” (Her tone darkens) “You will find none.”

(Thunder rolls. The throne’s sigil ignites — Britannia’s emblem burning crimson.) “But if you seek truth… if you wish to see the world as it truly is…”

(Her voice drops to a chilling whisper — close, intimate.) “Then look into my eyes…” (A single echo of her voice lingers) “…and do not look away.”

(The screen fades to black. A final whisper:) “Marianne vi Britannia — The Smiling Consort.”

(Cue a deep orchestral hit and the Code Geass insignia appearing on screen.)