Explain to Eliza why the trials are flawed

"Would this be a good place to talk about such a thing?" you ask.

"No," Lady Eliza concedes. "Let's move to another place,"

You look in the direction of where the participants had gone through, "Are you sure you don't need to wait for them?"

"You already know the answer to that,"

"True."

A few minutes later, you, Lady Eliza and her cousin are sitting across each other in the council chamber while your entourage and her people are standing outside the room.

"Let's hear it," she says.

"Let's start with your statement that you don't want your future husband to be a man not ruled by his groin. That is hubris and arrogance of the highest order on your part,"

"Yet, all the men, including you are here for me,"

"Yes, because we men were ruled by our groins. If you're really serious about your statement, you would fail everyone and go look for such a man by yourself. But you wouldn't, because you people in Toscana know how to enjoy life and a man who are not ruled by his groin is no man and wouldn't be fun. That's not the real reason why you hold this trial, isn't it?"

"What is the reason, then?"

You hold up three fingers. "I can think of three, at least. First, to establish your reputation. Since you're the duchess and an unmarried one, people will approach you while mentally looking down on you. This is where you establish the reputation of being a beautiful noble lady who shouldn't be trifled with."

"Interesting fantasy," Lady Eliza replies.

"Second, to screen out those that are useless," you say. "All those men participating in the second trial, you've already failed them as potential husbands"

"Interesting. Why do you think that way?"

"I'm not going to bring up your situation since you know it best, but let me point out, despite your history, you need a competent husband who can help you in leading the land while not being domineering." You raise an eyebrow as a thought hits you. "Oh, perhaps you think that a man who wouldn't accept an offer of woman to warm his bed wouldn't try to gain control? That's a fallacy, since there are men who are more attracted to power than women."

"You're more attracted to women, I guess?"

"Yes. But I digress. Those men who cannot think for themselves and just follow orders aren't really needed since you can just have anyone become your husband, including those from your land if that's what you're looking for,"

"And the third?"

"The thrill of the chase. You're purposely elevating your level of desiredness to all those men and others who will come after them by making them try very hard to gain your affection. Eventually, a suitable candidate will come who will impress you enough that you will accept his proposal of marriage,"

"I find those observations interesting," Lady Eliza says. "Is that why you seduced Cynthia? To attract my attention"

"Listen to yourself talk! I slept with her because she is interesting and attractive. Otherwise, I wouldn't lay a hand on her just because I want to get you to notice me,"

"You find her attractive?"

"Why yes. It seems that the attraction is mutual or otherwise she would have spurned my advance,"

"That seems to be the case. So, what will you do now?"

"Bring her home with me. She is quite good in bed"