Kazuhiko Sasaki's Links
Kazuhiko has entrusted Sakura to take care of his animals and any other exotic creatures she brings into Lotus Pier. He finds it fascinating how well animals react to her and is grateful for her help whenever his foxes are feeling unwell as she's much closer then sending out letters for aid. Usually he tries to give her the space she needs to be comfortable at the estate but he does enjoy tea with her during his study breaks if she's up for conversation.
Leaving her little cottage behind, she followed Kazuhiko back to his place where she now takes care of the animals he keeps around. She loves the atmosphere and very much enjoys her tea-time with him. She thinks fondly of him, being one of the few she's able to slowly open more up around.
Hearing about a well known Inn of the flashy Dextroluma, Kazuhiko sent out an invitation to her in order to see if she really was as wonderful of a dancer and performer as the rumors said. He was shocked when she traveled the entire way simply to turn around and tell him no. Dismissing her as rude at first, he didn't bother with re-inviting her but his servants did--for many years.
When he found out he stopped them right away and it was then she reappeared like she was insulted by the sudden lack of intrest. His pride not allowing him to tell her he hadn't sent the letters, he invited her inside Lotus Pier and they've been friends ever since. Though he sees the differences between them through culture and species, he's glad whenever she comes to visit and find their long talks about lectures and philosophy cure his loneliness for awhile.
Akari was surprised by the invitation to visit Lotus Pier but seeing as she had never been so close to the Heartlands before, she agreed. Upon arrival, it was made clear that the Imperial Prince had heard of her skills with traditional tea and dances and had invited her to see such skills in person. At first she was stubborn and refused, returning home right away. Each holiday however, she would get the same invitation and after a few years she finally caved, only once the letters stopped coming.
Now, her and Kazuhiko are close friends and she travels to see him whenever the season at the Inn is slow. They usually discus the differences between their species and argue about old traditions and fit hey should be upheld or not. She thinks highly of him but she'd never really find the words to tell him that. Instead, she just enjoys their long talks over tea and performing for the events he hosts if she happens to be near the Heartlands.