If only he were not so greedy for the little fame that would come from dealing the final blow to Elena and eliminating her from the trial, he would have been able to live for a little longer at the back of the line, at least he wouldn't be the first casualty like he was now
Alas, he desired something greater, something too good to be true for someone of his caliber, something that would amuse those that heard it.
He desired to be the frog that ate swan meat, enjoying where he did not work and reaping what he did not show, and thus his ending was swift, with no chance to regret his actions.