The Black Hearted Boss

The three candidates in the race all ended up in an unexpected state within the span of a few days.

Rudolph died an ugly death. Even as the prince was dying, Varian showed no mercy and used his soul power to inflict sever pain on the man's spirit.

His death was decided the moment his maid made those remarks. In the first place, Varian wasn't a benevolent soul.

He'd help people sometimes, would feel empathy for strangers. But if someone insulted him, he wouldn't feel the slightest guilt in making them miserable. But the maid went a step further and insulted his wives.

Merov, on the other hand, didn't offend Varian. Morally speaking, the Prince didn't have to die. But from a survival perspective, Merov surviving this and telling the tale would open a can of worms.

Rank 9s might immediately pay a visit and humanity would be prisoners in their own homeland.

Princess Sonya, on the other hand, became a 'prisoner' to speak.