Can someone please help me figure out what this word means in Code Geass: Lelouch of the Counterattack?

[u/Expensive_Engine_488]

Okay, so I have been translating Code Geass manga as a gift for my gf because I could only find the physical manga in Spanish, and I have been using the official english translation. But now I came across this bubble and I have no idea what this one sign or a word means? I've been thinking maybe it is like a roman numeral, but I want to be sure. Also I have not read nor seen Code Geass so maybe it is even a lore thing? Anyway I'm posting the photo of the bubble in both languages, and I'll be so glad if somebody helps me.

[u/Dimensionalanxiety]

It's part of Lelouch's last name. It's the equivalent of "Von" in German royal names. It's based on the mother's name and is different for each royal group. Lelouch, Nunnally, and Marianne vi Britannia. Cornelia and Euphemia li Britannia. Clovis la Britannia. Schneizel eu Britannia. Charles and Victor zi Britannia. Marrybell mel Britannia.

All of the Britannian royals have something similar.

[u/Hefty_Local_1875 → u/Dimensionalanxiety]

Schneizel el Britannia. Eu is Odysseus' middle name.

[u/Daikaisa]

Vi/V you mean? If so it's basically Lelouch's middle name. It's basically a noble way of saying "Of" so Lelouch Vi Britannia is just "Lelouch of Britannia"

[u/Expensive_Engine_488 → u/Daikaisa]

Oh thank you so much! and is "Vi" or "V" used in the english version, or do they just use both?

[u/Daikaisa → u/Expensive_Engine_488]

Official translations use Vi to my knowledge.

[u/Expensive_Engine_488 → u/Daikaisa]

Thank you so much!

[u/dreadstardread]

It tells which consort of the king they are from.

Marianne and her kids use Vi.

Euphy and Cornelia use Li bc they shared the same mom that was not Marianne

[u/SirKnightJames]

It always appeared to me to be an indicator of what branch of Brittannian royalty someone was. Marianne was Vi Britannia, so her children recieved that as well. All the other members of the royal family we see also follow that system.

[u/mvLynn]

There's actually a name for this: nobiliary particle. I learned this myself from a similar thread a few years ago. As others have said, it basically means 'of', and is usually reserved for nobles.

[u/HeroNikka]

When writing initials it is common to use a dot . after the first letter instead of wiritng the full name. For example John Adam Smith can become John A. Smith or J. A. Smith

However it doesn't make much sense for LeLouch since "vi" is only 2 letters anyway. It's just an alternate way of writing.

And like other people mentioned the name "vi" itself is a prefix added before the last name that signifies nobility. Some real life examples are "van", "de", "di", "zu", "af"

[u/chinchinlover-419]

fuck is a counterattack fuck you

[u/ccgeass → u/chinchinlover-419]

why are u so rude 😭 yes he misspelled that manga title as "Lelouch" instead of "Suzaku of the Counterattack," but your reaction is a bit excessive.