The return trip was peaceful. They didn't encounter anything noteworthy.
It was almost noon when they returned to the village. Alex could see youths of the stone head tribe practising martial arts in the training field.
"Meru, who is he?" Charam asked while curiously looking at Kalina who was next to Alex.
'Oops, I forgot about that. The villagers don't know that she is Kalina, the princess of the ice phoenix tribe. I asked Mupan to keep her identity a secret from normal people. Only the leaders and elders of the tribe know that Kalina is staying in our village. How should I respond?'
"A friend from the city. He came here as a guest." Alex replied nonchalantly. Lie through the teeth, adapt and overcome troublesome situations. It was his motto.
Kalina was perplexed by what Alex had said.
'When did I become a he? And who is his friend?' She curiously glanced at Alex, trying to understand his words.
Meanwhile, Alex moved close to Kalina and whispered in her ear.