The adults spoke of things that Nini and the others could only half-understand. For their age, this kind of talk was a bit too advanced—compared to these topics, they were far more interested in other things.
Through the crowded throng, four men wearing masks pushed a vendor cart in their direction. Clad in clown costumes, they looked rather ridiculous, waving their jellies around as they hawked their wares to everyone nearby.
Behind the cart's glass window, the jellies made from fish scales shimmered, dotted with chunks of colorful fruit. They looked so appealing that, for kids, they were absolutely irresistible.
"How much is it?" Nini dug a coin with Charles's face out of her pocket.
"Not expensive, not expensive! Only ten Core!"
When she heard the clown's reply, Nini looked troubled and put the coin back. That was way too pricey! The new Core bills were worth more than the previous Echo Coins—ten Core was enough to buy three fish at the pier.
