MYSTERIOUS OLD MAN

"RUTO, are you really alright losing the gold mine that you own to the Willows?"

"It's alright, Mother," Ruto assured his mother who looked worried and guilty for what happened. "It's just a gold mine."

He and his mother just finished talking to the Willows to officially stop the engagement talks with the Willows. Right now, the two of them were walking back to the Cyran Temple. It was time for his mother to pray to the Sun Goddess, so he offered to walk her there.

[Neoma told me to be kinder to my mother.]

Moreover, it looked like his mother was upset with how the discussion ended so he wanted to console her.

The Willows were offended that he rejected Phoebe after Lord Levi chose the young lady himself to be his bride. Hence, as compensation, he let the Willows have his gold mine. He didn't care though, since it wouldn't even leave a dent to his wealth.