When someone was threatened with their position in life, he would try to think of ways about how he could eliminate the person who he considered as a competitor.
One of the most important things in a human's life was their pride. It was to feel that they were much superior to others. It was their way to boat their self-esteem and appear more confident in front of everyone.
However, to some, pride was considered a point of weakness. The feeling of being on top and suddenly falling down was a nightmare that others do not wish to have.
And that's the tool that Hugo was using. With him working beside Julius, whom Rome adores so much, he can use this as an opportunity to make him experience the feeling of being unimportant.
To make Rome desperate for attention and recognition from Julius, as if he was a lost puppy looking for care and love.
'Desperation… the last time that I felt that I died." Hugo couldn't help but chuckle as he remembered it.