@Aliceteria The angst is balanced out a bit by the mystery part of the story. The end of the protagonists arc is uplifting too depending on your perspective. But if I'm completely honest, this story is equivalent to running your heart through a cheese grater, it's rough and it doesn't let up. I love it personally.
Aaah I got my fill of happiness reading the comments in the novel comment section, and now I can even enjoy more people's reaction. This is life, this is joy.
Thank you for the chapter! Young Ilya already looks so lovely and sad, it's touching!