[She nods slowly, considering. It's hard to think that any of them might change dramatically in any of these events; they are who they are, no matter what happens, or so she wants to believe, but what she hears of Edelgard from others, even in passing... it is not so much like the Edelgard she remembers. There are similarities, but perhaps it was the Professor's presence that managed to bring out the best in her? Perhaps that had allowed Edelgard to follow her path as closely as she could, without falling to desperation or having to make concessions in order to benefit from the aid of others.

It is impossible to know for sure without speaking to Edelgard herself. Even then, with events differing as they have, with their memories and experiences all being so varied... how can any of them ever know anything for certain?

She frowns again, taking another sizable bite of her fruit and chewing thoughtfully as she chooses her words, searches her feelings on the situation.]

I am thinking... there is much we cannot know for sure, but that whatever happens, or may have happened, we are all still ourselves. I am thinking that must be true for Edelgard, as well. All that is changing are the circumstances, but our hearts— those are not so easily changed.

[That much, she believes with certainty, and she looks at him squarely.]

Even though I remained with the Empire, I am still being the same Petra you remember from the academy, yes?