First of all, thank you so much for the glowing, positive comment!
I think this is the longest positive feedback comment I've ever received on Itch!
I'm very glad you enjoy the characters, and that you're interested in the plot! I do work hard on trying to make the characters and dialogue enjoyable. That one theory about Dr. Boss and Mayor Mai is interesting :)
It's nice to hear positivity about the puzzle mechanics! They're something I also think is fun - as well as the secrets, like you mentioned!
Haha, the playtime estimate. It's just a vague estimate based on my own playtime, reading speed, and already knowing where everything is and what it all does. It's also something that will vary A LOT depending on what content the player does/does not engage with. I'm glad you're getting that much enjoyable playtime out of Transportal!!
A side note about the the tentacle book:
It may be (optionally and briefly) mentioned at one point in the current Patreon release. :3
(Oh, and about your mention of Steam:
I don't have the eventual "final release" plans for Transportal anywhere close to fully solidified yet, but Steam certainly seems like one of the possible options. :) We'll have to see where things end up!
Thank you again for the kind and positive words!!
I'll continue to work hard on Transportal! ♥