Hi I know I replied on tumblr already but thank you so much for the detailed and very kind review!
I'll answer your question first. I discussed the idea a bit more on this post but tldr; the game is currently planned to be free-to-play. I have some ideas for paid bonus content that can help offset some development costs, but I want the base game (including endings and CGs) to be accessible and available to everyone for no cost.
I'm glad to hear it's come across as grounded overall. That lines up with my way of thinking and how I tried to approach the worldbuilding. While Herotome has definitely has(/will have) elements of an escapist fantasy, one of its first fulfilled fantasies is just getting a job offer and moving out LOL.
Warden would be flabbergasted (and flattered, of course) to know that he's made any sort of top ten list. :D I have quite a lot to reveal about him, and hope he doesn't disappoint!