Wait, doesnt he say something like "You can try to steal, beg and whatever but when all those fail - you will come to me"
So he urges you to try getting rid of it, instead of claiming you already exhausted all your options.
I also think getting that ring from a good illithid in the Myconid colony is a bit too convenient. Not to mention its "priceless" but sold for about 400 coins anyway.
