"IRS?"
Wade was initially startled, then suddenly understood.
He had naturally heard of the power of the United States IRS. It was said that their investigative authority rivaled that of the FBI. Even money gained from robbery, theft, arms dealing, and selling certain powders had to be dutifully taxed.
Otherwise, the tax bureau's big stick could knock anyone down.
He simply had not expected that Elsie, a Pure-blood wizard, would deal with the Scourers not through Charms or the Magical Congress, but through the Muggle world's most practical tax regulations.
His expression fell into Elsie's eyes, surprising her slightly as well.
The girl raised her brows faintly and asked inquisitively, "You seem... to know something about the United States IRS too?"
"My father isn't a wizard. He runs an ordinary small business." Wade replied frankly, "To him, taxes are something that needs to be watched every day, just like the weather."
Understanding flashed through Elsie's eyes, but unlike Malfoy and the others, she showed no disdain for Wade's "non-magical background."
Instead, as though she had found a kindred spirit, she leaned forward slightly and lowered her voice.
"My family is the same... My father follows Muggle news every day. His understanding of the various American tax systems definitely surpasses that of most Muggles."
"In fact, for centuries, the Vanderbilt family has never truly cut off contact with Muggle society."
Elsie smiled with pursed lips and shared an unspoken secret among Pure-blood circles.
"Magic gives us privileges, but the Muggle world has a population and economic activity a hundred times greater than ours. Only fools would give up the wealth there."
"But if you want to operate safely in the Muggle world, magic alone is not enough. Confounding minds and altering memories can only work for a while; before long, flaws