wait so the dude is doing this because he hates being the grand prize of ruthless competition where he doesn't have a choice in his marriage partner while every other man in this kingdom/empire gets their pick from the "losers."
Which I sympathize with him, I still think he's a horrible SOB for what he did/does to the MC's family and her.
I read ahead in the Spanish and it was revealed that the prince always had trust issues and looked out only for himself. That's why it's so significant that he has a reversal and learns to look out for Apul. He just learns to appreciate how much she cares for everyone. I haven't been reading the English releases recently so part of that may have been revealed but I just love this story sooo much!