Reincarnated In A Women Dominated World

Julian followed Lilia down the paved streets, his eyes scanning the bustling city around him. The market district was already alive with activity. Vendors shouting out deals, the scent of freshly baked bread mixing with the tang of spices in the air, and the occasional street performer drawing a small crowd.

Lilia moved with confidence, weaving through the crowd without hesitation. She clearly knew where she was going. Julian, on the other hand, took the opportunity to observe. Despite being assigned as her errand boy, this trip into the city was an opportunity for him. Whether to learn the layout, gather information, or simply understand how things worked in this matriarchal society.

Lilia led the way with a practiced ease, unfazed by the morning crowd. Julian trailed slightly behind, his eyes scanning the surroundings. The market was lively, but he could already tell there was an order to the chaos. Stalls were arranged neatly, grouped by trade—food vendors in one section, tailors and fabric merchants in another, blacksmiths farther down. The city had a rhythm, and he was starting to pick up on it.

They soon arrived at a textile shop adorned with elegant patterns on its awning. The shopkeeper, a middle-aged woman dressed in fine but practical garments, immediately greeted Lilia with a respectful nod.

"Lady Lilia, welcome. Everything has been prepared according to your request."

Lilia nodded, her gaze flickering to the bundles on the counter. Various fine fabrics, neatly folded and stacked, awaited pickup. Julian expected to be handed the pile as usual, but instead, the shopkeeper reached beneath the counter and pulled out a sturdy market bag—the kind specifically designed for carrying clothing and textiles without damaging them.

Finally.

The woman carefully packed the folded fabrics into the bag, securing them with a drawstring before handing it over to Lilia, who, of course, passed it directly to Julian. He took it without complaint, slinging the bag over his shoulder.

"Anything else?" Lilia asked the shopkeeper.

The woman tapped her chin. "Lady Evelyn also requested additional dark fabrics for a separate order. Would you like to take those as well?"

Lilia hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes. Pack them too."

A second bag was soon prepared, slightly heavier than the first. Julian adjusted both over his shoulder as Lilia turned to leave without another word. He exhaled quietly and followed after her.

"At least they're in bags this time," he muttered, shifting the weight slightly for balance.

As Julian stepped out of the textile shop, adjusting the weight of the bags on his shoulder, a sudden hush fell over the immediate area.

The shift in atmosphere was subtle but noticeable—the kind of tension that came when someone of importance arrived.

He didn't have to wait long to find out why.

A group of elegantly dressed women stood near the entrance of the shop, their posture radiating arrogance. At the center of them was a young noblewoman, perhaps a year or two older than Lilia. Her deep violet dress was embroidered with gold patterns, a sign of wealth and status. She idly tapped a delicate fan against her palm, her sharp, green eyes scanning the shop before finally landing on Lilia.

A smirk curled at her lips.

"Well, well. If it isn't Lady Lilia of the Averill family," she drawled, voice dripping with amusement. "I was wondering why the air felt so common today."

Julian raised an eyebrow. Ah, here we go.

Lilia, for her part, remained impassive. "Elaine," she acknowledged curtly.

Elaine Sinclair. Even Julian, new to the city, could tell she wasn't just some random noblewoman. There was an unspoken weight in her name, and judging by the way the shopkeeper and surrounding vendors subtly avoided eye contact, she was someone to be careful around.

Elaine's smirk deepened. "Running errands now? How fitting. Though, I see you've at least learned to bring a servant along." Her gaze shifted to Julian, eyes raking over him as if appraising a mere object.

"Interesting choice." She stepped closer, tilting her head slightly. "A bit rough around the edges, but I suppose everyone has to make do."

Julian met her gaze with an unreadable expression, but inwardly, he had to resist the urge to sigh. Another noble who thinks she owns the world.

Lilia remained composed. "I don't have time for your games, Elaine. If you'll excuse us—"

Elaine raised her fan, cutting her off. "Oh, no need to leave in such a rush. In fact, I was just about to make a rather generous offer." Her eyes flickered with amusement as she turned her attention fully to Julian.

"I'll buy him."

Julian's fingers twitched.

Lilia's expression darkened just slightly. "Excuse me?"

Elaine's attendants giggled behind her, clearly entertained. "I'll pay double whatever your family spent on him. Consider it a kindness. After all, I'm sure the poor thing would rather serve someone of proper status."

Julian could tell she wasn't serious. This was just a power play, a way to mock Lilia while pretending to be generous.

Lilia, however, didn't react with anger. Instead, she let out a quiet chuckle, one that lacked any warmth.

"You wouldn't be able to afford him," she said flatly.

Elaine's expression stiffened just a little, but she recovered quickly. "Oh? Are you saying he's that valuable?"

"I'm saying he's not for sale." Lilia's gaze sharpened. "And even if he were, the Sinclair family's wealth wouldn't be enough."

A quiet tension filled the space between them.

Julian fought the urge to smirk. Lilia wasn't just pushing back, she was outright insulting Elaine's standing.

Elaine's fan snapped shut, her lips curling downward ever so slightly. "Such arrogance. I suppose being raised by a mere D-rank mother does that to you."

That did it.

Lilia's eyes flashed, and Julian subtly shifted his stance, preparing for things to escalate.