Scope out the competition

You need to start making an impression right away. Being a king, you have a natural advantage over some, perhaps even all of your competition. Still, it will most likely take more than that to win Eliza's hand should you seek it. Heraldry was one topic of study in the monastery as the monks are often hired to research geneaology and even create heralds themselves. Thus, many of the world's most famous crests are familiar to you. As you look over the symbols emblazoned on the carriages, a few stick out.

The first is the black eagle set against a reddish-purple background, sign of the ruling dynasty of Byzantion. Though in decline, it is still one of if not the greatest power in the area, about the same distance from Toscana as your demesne though in the opposite direction. Because of this, however, they almost never make marriage alliances with foreigners (marriage of a member of any emperor's immediate family to an outsider is a great taboo), to avoid being pulled into others' wars. Who he is you don't know, but the man here is at best a cousin of the emperor. At the moment you weigh your rank and wealth against the value of his connection to the emperor.

The next carriage of note belongs to Count Guy of Ferrero. His unexceptional title is a bit misleading however, as Guy is no average count. His dynasty, signified by a white castle tower over blue and yellow stripes, has shrunk severely recently (you can relate) and as a result he has come into possession of a large number of scattered counties and baronies in the southern part of Frank territory, none more than a week's ride from Toscana. His lands are rich, and there is a long history of cultural, political and economic, exchange between his home and Eliza's region. His wealth is about of par with your own, so it is a question of rank vs. regional solidarity.

The final entrant of significance is a dark horse. You raise an eyebrow as you see the golden cross over a red background beloning to Miguel de Tarnossa, better known as The Moorslayer. Born into an Iberian gentry family along the border with the nonbelievers, Miguel quickly rose through the ranks. Distinguishing himself time and time again in battle against the rapacious heathens, the king of Asturias made him both a noble and the generalissimo of his armies. Though a living legend, Miguel has almost no landed property and his lowly origins will always haunt him. Perhaps you shall overcome his fame and charisma in this competition.