In the past, I was an outstanding alchemist; in the present, I’m a budding pharmacist named Yaroslav Nesterov. My predecessor managed to make many enemies and died from the effects of his own potion. Now I have no choice but to go into hiding. Both the Empire and a count who dreams of turning me into his slave are hunting me. I found refuge in Siberia, where I became an assistant to a pharmacist—who also has his own secrets. Doctors here deceive people, and pharmacology is poorly developed. But I know how to change that.