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That made Hector think. It was sometimes easy to forget how important reaping actually was. Alleviating the suffering of departed souls was a big responsibility, and it wasn't hard to understand why so many reapers chose to focus on that alone.

"But regardless of any of that," said Roman, "I think the reason these goggles are so popular might just be because they're currently fashionable. I doubt they were developed purely for fashion, but it might be why they're so widespread among the Hun'Kui. Maybe I'll try to find an Undercrust reaper on my next trip and ask them what they think."

Truthfully, Hector was actually a bit uncomfortable with Roman's recent solo trips to the Undercrust. He didn't want to doubt the man, but given everything that he'd personally experienced down there, it just seemed like such an incredibly dangerous thing to be doing.

But a useful thing, nonetheless.

Hector was certainly curious to learn more about the Undercrust, too, especially about its political climate. Thus far, Roman hadn't heard anything about anyone named Royo Raju or Malast making waves down there, but it wouldn't surprise Hector if that changed soon.

Their conversation continued for a while, and Roman gifted the goggles to Lynnette and King William. He made a point of warning them about how important these items were, about how problematic it might be if they fell into the wrong hands.

And perhaps Roman warned them a little too well, because after hearing that, the King decided to politely decline the pair that had been offered to him. Lynnette, however, kept hers and expressed her gratitude.

Those goggles would be a huge boon for her, Hector knew. He certainly still remembered how potent she had been back when they were rescuing the King from Abolish's clutches. Her main weakness in that fight had been the fact that she couldn't see the enemy reapers, but that wouldn't be a problem now.