I think he was more obsessed with power and not to be seen as weak for just being a guide. I think he cares for Jerome because how unstable he is
no. he’s obsessed with the power jerome has. the same with fabian. i think the obsession grew even more because both jerome and fabian are mentally weak despite the power they possessed which makes konrad even more attracted (not romantically nor sexually) to them. he saw them as having this amazing power but still are weak. for jerome, ig that obsession over his power may grew into konrad feeling like he’s responsible over jerome. like a guardian way.
right? i think that way too, like his grief wasnt entirely because he loved jerome but more like he saw jerome weak despite all his power and even after "taking" jerome's power he still cant protect the "weak" that's why after jerome "died" he kept on trying to bond with many espers. but i think the difference between jerome and fabian is, fabian has the ability to overcome his weakness that might stirs something in konrad's heart (imo)
i know it's only one chapter but damn was konrad just obsessed with jerome?