However, the young king soon clashed with Mushegh. In the view of historian Hakob Manandian, Varazdat sought to strengthen the Arsacid monarchy, which had been reduced to a subordinate role by the Romans and their allies the Mamikonians; for this reason he came into conflict with Mushegh. In Faustus's history, Varazdat's tutor (), Bat Saharuni, slanders Mushegh before Varazdat and incites him to assassinate the .
However, the young king soon had a disagreement with Mushegh. Historian Hakob Manandian believed that Varazdat aimed to reinforce the Arsacid monarchy, which had been diminished by the Romans and their allies, the Mamikonians; thus, he came into conflict with Mushegh. In Faustus's history, Bat Saharuni, Varazdat's tutor, slandered Mushegh in front of him and incited him to assassinate.