Benjamin needs more love, he is a villain in the story, one of many. he is narcissistic and a bit of a sadist. Benjamin is the leader of Empire City. Empire City is within the Sun Kingdom so he has no actual power yet he holds influence and that can be enough.
Benji is loved by everyone in EC, the women swoon for him the man fear and envy him and he eats it all up like candy. Benji enjoys the night life! Empire City is based of the 1920's so the music, vibe and fashion is what makes the city so famous.
Those living in EC love the night life and laugh at those within the sun kingdom, how can anyone enjoy wearing such heavy dresses and drinking tea! when they can dance the night away and drink as much booze as they want!
Benji has influence if he wants someone to go away he can make anyone do it, he just that manipulative. He is the first person Lili meets in EC, he tries to swoon her as he does with the others and it doesn't work. Jasper doesn't trust the guy and at this point Benji isn't really hiding who he truly is.
Benji is one of Lili memories a memory that she needs to become one step closer to remembering who she truly is. Benji isn't willing to give himself up for her he knows to much about the reality she craves and he doesn't want it.
Why face reality when everything was built for her to be happy in the dream. Lili can have whatever she wants yet she chooses to want to wake up? how boring. Benji worked hard to achieve everything he has now and he won't let Lili or Jasper ruin it.