I'm pretty sure the Near Eastern Merchant NPC is a male Lalafell not a female Lalafell, however, the text dialog for the quest says it's a female. Could this be a typo? Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of the NPC before I completed the quest, but judging by the hairstyle that they have, I'm certain that only male Lalafells have that type of hairstyle unless things have change since the last time I've checked...

[20:17]Near Eastern Merchant: I heard all from my useless servant. Tell me, were you able to track down my paper lantern?

[20:17]Near Eastern Merchant: By the gods, this is a work of art if ever I have seen one. Just as I asked, it is a perfect blend of my own delicate tastes and a faraway exoticism. Servant! What of the job I put to you?

[20:18]Humble Servant: If Master refers to the figureheard carving for her pleasure barge, then all is proceeding smoothly, save for just one small thing. The shipwright is a man of great pride. I fear he insists the special request Master made will require a sum more gil than originally anticipated.

[20:18]Near Eastern Merchant: Tell the fool that gil is no object. And if he does not believe you, take a letter bearing my seal and slap him across the face with it. For now, go to the barge and hang this lantern in plain view for all to see.

[20:18]Near Eastern Merchant: Oh, yes, how thoughtless of me. I had wholly forgotten to compensate you for your trouble. My, you adventurers often prove yourselves quite useful.