The Reluctant Alchemist

Rowan Ashford died an overworked chemist and woke up in a new world as the son of a humble apothecary. His plan was simple: brew good potions, invent modern comforts, build a quiet manor, and live a peaceful life far from trouble. Unfortunately, his knack for creating stable, revolutionary alchemy keeps ruining his retirement plans. Every improved medicine, efficient golem, and clever invention draws the wrong kind of attention — greedy guilds, ambitious nobles, and ancient forces that see his work as either salvation or a threat. Now Rowan must navigate a world on the brink of a magical industrial revolution while desperately trying to stay out of the spotlight. A cozy progression fantasy about a reluctant genius who just wanted to retire — but keeps accidentally changing the world.