The side effects of the damages in the Imperial capital seems to effect the demi-humans more than anyone else. Even though demi-humans are known for their physical powers, If one is overworked they'll definitely fall down and then someone will appear and beat them until they get back up.
If they don't get back up, the empire would simply attack the Sea of Trees to gain more supply of slaves because they don't see demi-humans as people. Or, the sense of values that strength reigns supreme and only the "weak" are excluded. The purpose of Arutena being transported to another city is also to replace previous slaves.
Just then, a boy around 10 years old with dog ears and tail tripped on some debris and fell down loudly, all the debris contained in his cart also fell out. The inumimi*Dog eared* boy was crouching down enduring the pain of his foot, the empire soldiers of the watch had a dangerous look, he began to approach with a club in hand. It's obvious what he plans on doing.
And, the ally of justice couldn't remain silent about something about to happen right in front of him.
[Oi! Stop....]
Kouki, tries to run out while raising a loud voice to stop the empire soldier. However, he was stopped by the event that happened in the next moment.
Pashu~!
At the same time as the subtle sound was heard through the air, the empire soldier toppled down like a brick and dove onto the debris.
Gosha! an indescribably miserable sound was heard, the empire soldier who was approaching the inumimi boy didn't move an inch. Apparently he fainted somehow. Afterwards the empire soldiers co-worker came rushing in a hurry, after seeing his condition, he shook his head with an amazed expression and carried him away somewhere. Leaving behind the inumimi boy.
The inumimi boy, just looked with a blank surprised expression for a while as he didn't understand what just happened, He then quickly rakes up all the fallen debris that fell out and resumed his job as if nothing happened.
Kouki who was going to begin running was stunned and baffled. Then, Hajime's voice ranged out.
[Though i don't care if you thrust your neck into something troublesome, at least prevent it from troubling us?]
[N....was that you just now Nagumo-kun?]