I wasn’t reborn with talent or ability, but at least my knowledge from earth allowed me to stay one step ahead in this other world.... more>>

Magic exists here, and new progress was rapidly being made in science while magic stagnated in the name of tradition. Using my earthly knowledge and not bound by the traditional thinking, I was able to do things other wizards couldn’t even imagine.

Still, inadvertently becoming an undercover professor for a mysterious secret society at the renowned Sören academy was never in my to-do list! <<less

On the outskirts of the Pleasure City of Midas lies the Ceres special autonomous area, commonly known as the slums. Gang leader Riki, looking for an easy pocket to pick in the nightlife districts, gets caught red-handed…by none other than one of the highest-ranking, golden-haired android elites ruling from the capital Tanagura: the “Blondy” Iason Mink!
By all rights, a Blondy standing at the pinnacle of aristocracy and a slummer should have never crossed paths—their chance encounter marks the beginning of a love twisted by obsession, soon spiraling into a karmic chain of events...... more>>

⬇️ //// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////
⬇️ //// About the English translation ////
⬇️ //// Current translation status ////
⬇️ //// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

//// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////

Originally serialized in the bimonthly magazine Shosetsu June (小説ジュネ) spanning six chapters from December 1986 to October 1987, the novel was released with minor revisions into a hardcover edition in 1990.
This first version of the story received a two-episode/OVA anime adaptation in 1992 and 1994.

Between the years 2001 and 2007, the original story was greatly expanded upon and released in six paperback volumes. After a change of Japanese publisher, two more volumes were released between 2009 and 2010, completing the series (the six aforementioned volumes were released as volumes 1-4 in the newest Japanese edition).
This second version of the story was meant to be adapted into a twelve-episode OVA anime—initially planned to release in 2010—but was postponed to 2012, only to be discontinued after the fourth episode’s release.

//// About the English translation ////

The English paperback expanded edition is made up of eight volumes: the six first volumes (Seibido/Crystal edition) + the two later volumes (#7 and #8 in English, but #5 and #6 in the newest Tokuma/Chara edition).
The change in Japanese publisher led to a change in translator for the English edition between vol1 to 6 and vol7 to 8: it is highly recommended to read the fan translations of #7 and #8 as opposed to reading the licensed edition, due to the massive loss in translation (expect a 50% word count difference between the two).

//// Current translation status of the different editions of the novel (as of April 20th, 2024) ////

. Shosetsu June edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation.
. 1990 hardcover edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation. An older fan translation had 4/6 chapters translated but the project was dropped.
. 2000’s expanded edition, English licensed: fully translated, complete.

//// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

– The Shosetsu June story was adapted into a drama cassette and a drama CD (Dark Erogenous).
– The expanded story was adapted into three drama CDs (Destiny, Nightmare, Resonance)
– A prequel called Midnight Illusion was serialized in Shosetsu June between December 1992 and April 1993, and released as a hardcover in 1996. 3/6 chapters have been fan-translated into English.
– The 5 side stories have all been fan-translated into English (Kizu/Wound, File-0, Cal’s Sighs, Musk, Illusion Night) and are based on the expanded version of the novel.

Look up online “Ai no Kusabi Master List LiveJournal” to find the links to all the material listed above and more.

[This page was updated as per an anon’s request, all credit goes to the AnK community where credit is due.] <<less

When the kingdom of El Pasa fell into abysmal ruins, Princess Beatrice of El Pasa assumed the identity of Chloe to survive.... more>>

But then, a man known for his exquisite appearance and coldness appeared and stirred up the peaceful life she led in s*avery.

That man was Alexandro Graham — the same man who was the sole reason of her kingdom’s downfall. <<less

I possessed a character with an intelligence of 100 in a classic medieval fantasy land-grabbing game.... more>>

An intelligence score of 100. That meant my predictions were always accurate.

However, since I was physically weak and didn’t quite understand why that was the case, I thought it best to just live quietly.

But then… leaders who began to recognize my ability started to become obsessed with me. <<less

The Herhardt household’s masterpiece.... more>>

The young owner of a heaven-like place called Arvis.

The beautiful bird slaughterer.

Matthias von Herhardt.

His perfect life- completely swallowed, crushed, and shaken-

by his lovely bird.

Leyla Lewellin.

–

Cut, locked, and tamed her wings.

In order to keep Leyla Lewellin in custody, Matthias did not hesitate in his actions.

Because he did not hesitate, he did not regret.

Because he did not regret, he did not reflect.

Because he did not reflect, he did not apologize.

When his beautiful bird, Leyla Lewellin, opened her cage and flew away, Matthias decided.

“If I am to lose her forever and can’t get her back, I’d rather kill her.” <<less

The journey of a generation’s male empress started because of four words.... more>>

“Send a dowry escort.”

During the 19th year of the Yuanqing Era, Qi Yunruo boarded a carriage and entered through a corner door of the second prince’s estate. Then, across the watery corridor, he gazed at the prince from afar.

———

The promotional record of a young teen married off as part of his legitimate sister’s dowry.

From two people who never met before to two people who could understand each other’s thoughts by just a glance.

There’s a type of happiness sparked when the most suitable people meet in the most suitable place.

Notes:
In order for aristocratic women in imperial China to marry into a family part of the upper nobility, they must be of the legitimate line and must also have a dowry escort that married into that family. That escort would be a “ying” (媵) and could be considered a concubine. <<less

The state administration had been checkmated, it was hopeless!... more>>

“As expected of your Highness, for you to aim for such goal!”

“I will follow you wherever you are!”

“Your Highness! Your Highness! Your Highness!”

“(How did it all end up like this?!)”

The young prince Wayne, he revitalized the weak state by the power of pen and military arts. (Oh and misunderstanding!)

He was a man who excelled at management and the military arts, but had a secret wish.

(Ah, I wish to sell this country as fast as possible and retire!)

Indeed, his true nature was that of a traitor who wanted to sell his country.

However, when he tried to sell the country to another great power, he ended up profiting! And he even moderately won against a larger nation in a war!

His fame ended up rising, his retainers ended up loyal to him.

His wish of retirement went further away…

This is a story about a genius prince who revitalized a nation full of hilarity! <<less

The notorious imperial court lackey and the meritorious military general were well-known for their mutual dislike, a pair of arch-enemies set in stone. Who could have foreseen the unexpected change in the winds of heaven: the general injured on the battlefield, both legs disabled, and even forced by the emperor to marry his nemesis. ... more>>

With one marriage edict, two people with mutual hostility are forced to marry and live under the same roof. Yet after these long days together, they come to the realization that this fellow is not truly devoid of any saving grace/unattainable and high out of reach. <<less

I became the apostle of the god who presides over swords and war.

“Do you love me, Sheemon?”... more>>

“Of course, Leila,” he said, looking at her tenderly.

But this love was a farce.

Leila Hessus was betrayed by her own sister and fiancé, the two people she cared most in this world. And when she was at death’s door, soon to die by the hands of her lover, flashes of regret smeared across her face.

As she jumped to her, a black shadow appeared.

“It’s me, Miss Leila.”

He held her in her arms tight, careful to not let her go.

“I’ll protect you. I’ll be your tool for vengeance.”

Will she be able to live a life without regrets? <<less

“You make me crazy.”... more>>

As he moved his waist, he put his teeth on her shoulder.

It was like being bitten by an animal.

As she leaned her head back, she felt her chest rise. He immediately bit into her breasts and her apex. Up and down, endlessly stimulating.

***

Selena, who grew up under her grandmother who runs an herb store, climbs the mountain to dig herbs as usual. She finds a seriously injured wolf and shows her kindness by helping it.

“Shh, you’re good.”

Laslow doubted his ears.

‘What? Did you just call me good?’

Though he is now in the form of a wolf, not a human, he was a human being, and he was the one who was elected king.

And here stood Selena, treating him like a puppy. <<less

For the first time, he knew that the feeling of being choked by smoke turned out to be the feeling of liking... more>>

Love money like it's fate x love at first sight <<less

On Sarah's first day of work, she gets a call from her boyfriend's number claiming it is his fiance and she is pregnant. To make matters worse, her boss has the same name as her ex boyfriend.
When she see's the back of her boss' head, she hits him with her purse that has two books in it, however when he turns around she realizes she has never seen his face before.... more>>

"Who are you?"
"No, who are you?" <<less

Once a thriving sovereignty, Joachim Empire was now on the path of decline.... more>>

Gin Erhart, who was once an escort boy in a ducal house during his childhood, returned there as a successful capitalist. Having become the adopted son of the Erhart family he once worked for, Gin sought to incite a revolution in the country. At the same time, he was searching for his mysterious benefactor, known as the “Little Pearl,” who supported and cared for him when he was an escort boy, but whose identity remained unknown.

One day, Gin encountered Maximilian Joachim, the Crown Prince of Joachim, at a banquet. For some reason, this indolent and promiscuous Crown Prince knew that Gin was once an escort boy…… <<less

As a new anchor of StarTV, Yu Yan’s ruthless tr*sh-talk, natural rifle-shooting skills, and character of never searching houses earned him a big crowd of fans.... more>>

He felt like he was a good anchor who treated all fans of his stream equally—you can suck at the game, you can get knocked down, but if you want the gun in my hand, sorry, no way man.

Until he heard the voice of the streaming platform’s Big Boss.

Yu · ultimate voice-con · Yan: I’m not familiar with this game, swap my Kar98k for your Mini-14.

Yi · brand new noob · Chen: En.

Friend: Daddy, I want to snipe too!

Yu Yan: I think this frying pan suits you very well.

Not-a-very good gamer but dripping with money and looks Big Boss vs Cute, super good tr*sh-talking gunslinger voice-con Anchor. <<less

For ten years, he had loved her, but with just one word of "brother," she rejected him completely.... more>>

His dignity was trampled upon, yet she remained indifferent to his feelings. It was only when He Ju finally woke up to the truth that he realized his love was not even worth mentioning in her eyes.

With a plane ticket and a long-planned confession, He Ju finally understood that there were people in this world who loved him foolishly.

He Ju no longer obsessed over the past, and instead focused on the person in front of him.

However, when he achieved success and had a loving wife, his former lover came crying to him: "Brother He..." <<less

In the ignorant Middle Ages, where labor laws do not exist, a guard is hustling again today.

Ming Jing woke up and transmigrated into an otome game as a Mary Sue female protagonist. Due to the virus invasion, the male protagonists in the game have all blackened with extreme personalities, doing everything they can to have her to themselves.... more>>

The male protagonists with their innocent expressions: We just want to fall in love with you!

Ming Jing smiling brightly and charmingly: Fall in love?

No, this father here just wants to teach you how to be human! <<less

I was reincarnated in the game I enjoyed playing since I was a kid. ... more>>

But, I don't want to play a starring role, I just want to graduate as an extra. But the heroines are too clingy. <<less

Ezen, daughter of the Crawford family, and Cliff, heir to the Moore family.... more>>

Her mean father destroyed the Moore’s family and captured Cliff to ens*ave and abuse him.

Ezen, who cares for him, helps Cliff to escape from her family.

“Never, never come back. Cliff Moore.”

“You will regret saving me.”

Twelve years later, Cliff returns with immense power and brutally slaughters Ezen’s family, who had trampled on his.

Ezen also tries to accept her death, but Cliff does not kill her, but instead makes her as his wife.

Sleeping with an unknown enemy, a life in which too much has been lost. After suffering, Ezen dies after giving birth to a child.

But…

Even after death, her soul, trapped in Cliff’s mansion, returns to the moment of her death, realizing the unexpected truth.

The man and woman who couldn’t be together in a fierce destiny, a spring breeze permeates their dry hearts. <<less

An intense opera romance created by musical geniuses of enchanting light, brilliant music, and the reverberation of true aspirations.... more>>

The prima donna is the ruler of the magnificent stage. Born in the muddy slums, a woman longs for its glory.

“The stage is a battlefield where you have to struggle. It is only right to survive in this battlefield.”

When the opportunity comes, Rosabella does not dare miss it. She takes the hand of Heinkel, the Emperor of the Opera World who brings her to the stage.

“You are real. A real gem I found.”

Attracted to her intoxicating voice, love in a musical drama blooms between the queen and emperor of the opera, followed by the melody of singing. <<less

Because of some coincidence, the leader of the imperial bodyguards who was supposed to be executed by “the death of a thousand cuts” —— the Yingnu, Xu Lingyun, became the Son of Heaven, Li Xiao’s storyteller, telling him the narrative inside “The Historical Records of Yu.” Alongside Xu Lingyun’s narratives, Emperor Chengzu, Li Qingcheng’s life story gradually appeared inside Li Xiao’s mind: his misfortune on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival that made him have to leave the capital, the war against Xiongnus outside the Feng Pass, how he conquered the entire Western Plains without costing him a single soldier, the imposing army loyal to the rightful monarch's decisive battle on the capital…... more>>

The written and oral history gradually come to an end, while those secrets buried inside the history reappear one after another. Xu Lingyun’s unexpected real identity, Li Xiao’s confusing experience, Emperor Chengzu’s Yingnu, Zhang Mu and Li Xiao’s hidden connection… everything is quietly unveiled!

————

The history and narrative intertwine. Xu Lingyun and Li Xiao pursue one another, looking for themselves. In the end, during this turbulent era, amidst the golden spears, armored horses, and numerous fire beacons, who can stay loyal to themselves? Who can stay true to the truth? Who will get to obtain the rivers and mountains? And who will get to open up a new era? <<less

The Peng Society for Gentlemen — a secret friend-making club for the homos*xual men of the Great Xia Dynasty. Its services were designed to help its members along in their quest for their lifelong partners. Upon paying a monthly fee of fifty coins, members could get themselves listed in The Pengornisseur after providing a self-portrait, a mailing address, their age and hobbies, as well as a self-introduction. All members would receive a copy of the monthly publication, and they could communicate with one another in private using the information in The Pengornisseur.... more>>

Wu Xingzi, a bachelor about to turn forty, worked as the adviser to the magistrate in Qingcheng County.

Qingcheng County was a place with barely any resources. In other words, it was poor. In the list of counties of the Great Xia Dynasty, it had been ranked at the bottom for the past two hundred years.

Wu Xingzi felt that his life was hopeless: not only was he a homosexual, he was also a virg*n. Even his retirement fund was lacking. Worse still, his looks were… forgettable.

He might as well die.

Hence, Wu Xingzi decided to commit su*cide on his fortieth birthday. However, he was unwilling to remain a virg*n to death! And so, gritting his teeth, he joined the Peng Society for Gentlemen and received The Pengornisseur. It was very painful; after all, fifty coins were the sum of his daily expenditure for ten days! He would only pay it once, and he was determined to succeed on his first try. <<less

Ariana, who endured abuse from her stepmother and sister, weds a rich commoner. She was in a contract marriage that was picture-perfect.

Human body with fishtail was known as mermaid.... more>>

They were pretty and mysterious, their tears congealed to a pearl worth a city.

Miao Miao never thought that one day she would set foot on the lake shore as a human.

She had no desire, only wanted to be close to a man.

Even though she was seeking her own doom, but she gladly endured the hardship.

—— I like you, for ninety days. <<less